HTTP 403 Forbidden vs 522 Connection Timed Out
HTTP 403 (Forbidden) is a 4xx Client Error response, while 522 (Connection Timed Out) is a 5xx Server Error response. 403 indicates that the server understood the request but refuses to authorize it. Unlike 401, authentication will not help — the user simply does not have permission. In contrast, 522 means that cloudflare-specific. TCP connection to the origin server timed out.
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.
Description
Cloudflare-specific. TCP connection to the origin server timed out.
When You See It
When the origin server is overloaded or network issues prevent connection.
How to Fix
Check origin server health. Verify firewall rules. Check for network congestion.
Key Differences
403 is a 4xx Client Error response, while 522 is a 5xx Server Error response.
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.
HTTP 522: Cloudflare-specific. TCP connection to the origin server timed out.
You encounter 403 when when trying to access a resource you're authenticated for but don't have permission to access.
You encounter 522 when when the origin server is overloaded or network issues prevent connection.
When to Use Which
For 403 (Forbidden): Check your user role/permissions. Contact the admin to request access. For 522 (Connection Timed Out): Check origin server health. Verify firewall rules. Check for network congestion.