How to Fix Error Code 1020: Eight Easy Solutions

Error messages are always frustrating. Even more so when you’re trying to join a video meeting, access a website, or use an online service. 

One of the most common error messages is “error code 1020: access denied”. This error typically appears on websites that use Cloudflare DNS protection services, such as Zoom, ChatGPT, and many others. 

It can make accessing these websites difficult and slow down our work. In this post, I will explain what error code 1020 is and its potential causes. I will also share eight ways to fix this error code message.

What is Error Code 1020? (popularly known as the ‘ChatGPT error code‘)

Error code 1020 is an access denied error message users encounter when accessing a website or application (perhaps when they want to access ChatGPT or join a Zoom call).

This access denied error is usually displayed when you try accessing a website that has Cloudflare protection. That means Cloudflare’s security measures protect the website, and the user is flagged as suspicious.

What Is Cloudflare? 

Cloudflare is a content delivery network (CDN) websites use to provide security and protection against online threats. Cloudflare is used to help protect websites from attacks such as DDoS attacks and other types of cyber threats.

Cloudflare acts as a firewall, web application accelerator, and content delivery network all rolled into one. Many websites use Cloudflare to improve website speed, performance, and security.

Error code 1020 means the user has attempted to access a website or application from a blocked or restricted IP address. A Cloudflare protected website is sometimes set up to block access to specific IP addresses due to security concerns.

You’ll often see this Cloudflare error along with the following text:

“Access denied; you do not have permission to access this page.”  

Causes Behind the Error Code 1020 Error

There can be many causes behind the error code 1020 error messages. 

The error code 1020 often occurs when the server detects excessive requests from one IP address. Too many requests happen because of various factors, such as running scripts, conflicting browser extensions, or bots. It’s also why this Cloudflare error has been renamed as the “ChatGPT error code” recently!

Another possible reason for the access denied error is if your Internet Service Provider (ISP) assigns you a shared IP address. A shared IP means multiple users share the same IP address, and one of the other users on your IP could be the issue.

Lastly, websites sometimes block visitors from certain countries or regions for political or regulatory reasons. 

8 Ways to Fix the Error Code 1020 Message

Now that we know the possible causes of this error, let’s dive into the eight ways to fix the error code 1020 message.

#1. Check if the Website is Down

Sometimes, the website might be down, and it might not be our network or computer issue. 

Try a website such as DownDetector to confirm whether the website you want to access is down. 

#2. Disable Your VPN Connection

If you use a VPN service to access the internet, disable it and try re-accessing the website or application. Your VPN may be the issue if the error code 1020 message disappears.

Note: Every VPN provider shares instructions on temporarily disabling their VPN. Below are the instructions from NordVPN to turn off a VPN on MacOS.

#3. Disable Browser Extensions

Take a look at some browser add-ons that can block cookies. Many folks use them to amp up their privacy while browsing. But here’s the thing – sometimes, they can cause issues with websites that use Cloudflare. 

So, check if you’ve got any of these browser extensions installed. If you do, try disabling them temporarily to see if it solves the problem. It’s a simple step that might do the trick!

To disable browser extensions in Google Chrome, go to the three dots in the top right corner of your Chrome window.

Next, click on “Settings” and select “Extensions.” 

Then, toggle off all Chrome extensions and try to re-access the website. I

f Error code 1020 has disappeared, and you can access the site, it means one of your Chrome Extensions was causing the error to appear in the first place.

#4. Clear Your Browser Cache

Clearing the browser’s cache and cookies can solve problems caused by outdated or corrupted browser cache data.

error 1020 access denied | clear chatgpt data |

To clear the cache, go to Google Chrome’s settings (the three dots on your browser’s top right) and click ‘More Tools.’

Next, click the ‘Clear Browsing Data’ option and choose the time range. Click on ‘Clear Data,’ and your cache is cleared.

#5. Try a Different Web Browser:

You can switch to an alternative browser to see if browser settings cause the error. 

If you’re a Google Chrome user, try using Safari, Firefox, or Internet Explorer to see if you can still access the web page. 

If you can access the page on a different web browser, try updating your current browser. 

#6. Temporarily Disable Your Firewall and Antivirus 

Sometimes, firewalls and antivirus software may block certain websites to prevent malicious attacks. Disable them temporarily to see if this resolves the issue. 

Turn off your firewall and antivirus software to see if it resolves the error. If the error code 1020 message disappears, your firewall may be the culprit.

Note: Please remember to turn both back on after the test!

#7. Restart The Network Router 

Sometimes resetting or rebooting your router is all you need to make such error codes disappear. 

To reboot your router, unplug it and wait 30 seconds before switching it back on and restarting the machine. Some routers even have a reset button to restore the settings.

#8. Contact The Site Owner 

If you have tried all the above fixes and are still getting error code 1020 on your browser, contact the website admin and report the issue.

They can help you find a solution to the error code 1020 message.

Conclusion: Final Thoughts

Error code messages can be annoying, but understanding what is causing them and how to fix them can help. 

If you are facing an error code 1020 message, remember that there are simple solutions you can try before contacting support.

Try simple fixes such as clearing your browser’s cache, disabling your VPN, and resetting your router before contacting website support. 

With the above-mentioned solutions, I hope you can access ChatGPT, zoom, and all previously flagged websites with error code 1020. Good luck!

If you’re looking to fix the ERR_SSL_BAD_RECORD_MAC_ALERT message next, check out this blog post.

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