HTTP 302 Found vs 403 Forbidden
HTTP 302 (Found) is a 3xx Redirection response, while 403 (Forbidden) is a 4xx Client Error response. 302 indicates that the resource temporarily resides at a different URL. The client should continue using the original URL for future requests. In contrast, 403 means that the server understood the request but refuses to authorize it. Unlike 401, authentication will not help — the user simply does not have permission.
Description
The resource temporarily resides at a different URL. The client should continue using the original URL for future requests.
When You See It
During A/B testing, temporary maintenance pages, or geo-based redirects.
How to Fix
Follow the Location header. Note: browsers may change POST to GET on redirect.
Description
The server understood the request but refuses to authorize it. Unlike 401, authentication will not help — the user simply does not have permission.
When You See It
When trying to access a resource you're authenticated for but don't have permission to access.
How to Fix
Check your user role/permissions. Contact the admin to request access.
Key Differences
302 is a 3xx Redirection response, while 403 is a 4xx Client Error response.
HTTP 302: The resource temporarily resides at a different URL. The client should continue using the original URL for future requests.
HTTP 403: The server understood the request but refuses to authorize it. Unlike 401, authentication will not help — the user simply does not have permission.
You encounter 302 when during A/B testing, temporary maintenance pages, or geo-based redirects.
You encounter 403 when when trying to access a resource you're authenticated for but don't have permission to access.
When to Use Which
For 302 (Found): Follow the Location header. Note: browsers may change POST to GET on redirect. For 403 (Forbidden): Check your user role/permissions. Contact the admin to request access.