Why Links Show 403 Forbidden in Broken Link Reports

Why links show 403 Forbidden is one of the most common questions after a broken link scan. A 403 does not always mean the page is gone. It often means the destination server refused the automated request, even though the page may still load for a normal browser visitor.

Common Reasons a Link Returns 403

• Bot protection: a firewall or CDN blocks automated requests.
• Geo or rate limits: the server allows some visitors but blocks repeated checks.
• Authentication: the page requires a session, token, or account.
• Hotlink protection: assets may block requests that do not come from an approved referrer.

How to Triage a 403 Result

1. Open the URL manually in a browser.
2. Check whether the page loads for users without login or special access.
3. If the page loads, mark it for manual review instead of replacing it immediately.
4. If users also see a block, replace the link or choose a more accessible destination.

To separate 403 responses from true 404s, run the page through the website broken link checker. For same-domain cleanup, use the internal broken link checker.