Why it happens
Security settings that block unknown bots, whole countries or data centre addresses can block Google crawlers along with the traffic they were meant to stop.
Blocked due to access forbidden (403)
Your server returned 403 Forbidden to Googlebot. Googlebot never sends credentials, so a public page must load for a visitor who is not signed in.
Diagnose it
Symptoms, checks and fixes
Common symptoms
- URLs listed under "Blocked due to access forbidden (403)".
- The page loads for you but not from other networks or tools.
Checks to run
| Check | How to tell | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Does the page load for a signed-out visitor? | Open it in an incognito window on a different network, such as mobile data. | Remove sign-in or IP restrictions from pages that should be public.[1] |
| Is a security tool blocking crawlers? | Check security plugin, firewall or CDN logs for 403 responses to Google crawler requests. | Allow verified Google crawlers instead of blocking by user agent or country.[2][1] |
| Does Google see the 403 now? | Run "Test live URL" in URL Inspection. | Once the live test succeeds, validate the fix in the Page indexing report.[3] |
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
How do I know a request is really from Google?
Google publishes how to verify its crawlers, using reverse DNS or its published IP ranges, so you can allow real crawlers and block fakes.[2]
How we work together
Two ways to get started
Website Subscription
Your website, fully managed — no big upfront cost.
We design, build, host, maintain and keep improving your site for one simple monthly fee.
- Custom-designed & built for your brand
- Hosting, security & maintenance included
- Ongoing edits & content updates
- Continuous SEO & performance improvements
- Scale up or down as you grow
Fixed Project
A one-off custom build you own outright.
A defined scope and a single fixed quote — delivered once, and yours to keep.
- Bespoke design & development
- Defined scope & timeline
- You own the website & code
- Optional care plan after launch
- Custom-quoted to your needs
Sources
- [1] Page indexing report (Search Console Help). Checked 9 October 2026.
- [2] Google crawling docs: Verifying Google's crawlers. Checked 10 October 2026.
- [3] Search Console Help: URL Inspection tool. Checked 10 October 2026.
Ready to get started?
Get a free, no-obligation quote for your project. We respond within 24 hours.