Written by Admin on 2025-05-06

Download Failed: Unauthorized Wordpress - An Overview

Are you struggling to download or install WordPress plugins? Do you keep seeing the "Download failed. Unauthorized" message?

If you're encountering this error on your WordPress website, don't worry, you're not alone. This error is primarily caused by permission issues, which can be fixed with a few simple tweaks.

Here's a closer look at what causes the "Download failed. Unauthorized" error and how to fix it:

What Causes This Error?

When you attempt to download or install a plugin, your WordPress website sends a request to the server for the necessary files. If the server sends back an "unauthorized" or "forbidden" message, your website cannot access the files, resulting in the error.

The root cause of this issue is usually related to file permissions. If your website's file permissions are not set up correctly, WordPress cannot access the necessary files, triggering the error.

How to Fix It

The good news is that fixing this error is relatively simple.

Step 1: Check Your File Permissions

Firstly, check your file permissions to ensure that the correct permissions are in place. The ideal file permission settings for WordPress are typically 755 for directories and 644 for files. Ensure that these permissions are correctly set up on your server.

Step 2: Clear Your Browser Cache

Sometimes, the error could be due to a failed download from the browser's cache. Clear your browser cache and try to download the plugin again. Alternatively, consider using a different browser to download or install the plugin.

Step 3: Disable Security Plugins or Firewall

Sometimes, certain security plugins or firewalls can block downloads or installations. Try disabling any security plugins or firewalls temporarily and download the plugin again to see if the error persists.

Step 4: Contact Your Hosting Provider

If none of the above steps work, contact your hosting provider. They will be able to advise you on how to resolve the issue, as file permission settings and authentication methods can vary between hosting providers.

Conclusion

In conclusion, encountering "Download failed. Unauthorized" errors during WordPress plugin installations can be frustrating. However, by following the steps above, you should be able to resolve the error quickly and get back to creating your website content.