Top Fixes for the 1020 Access Denied Cloudflare Error

You may encounter the Cloudflare Error 1020: Access Denied message when you attempt to access a URL on a Cloudflare-protected website. This error implies that you directly experienced a Cloudflare service firewall. This error may result when Cloudflare suspects your IP address poses a security risk.

This article will cover the top fixes to this error, giving you practical solutions to help surmount this problem and regain access to the intended websites. Other internet solutions for your enhanced browsing experience include improving internet speed and using trusted browser security.

What is a Cloudflare 1020?

Cloudflare Error 1020 indicates an Access Denied error that arises when Cloudflare’s firewall rules detect suspicious activity from the client or browser used for scraping. Due to the security measure put in place by the website owner, the error indicates that you don’t have the required permission.

Before trying the fixes in this guide, you should try to fix the error by restarting your router, resetting your internet settings, switching to a different browser, or contacting the site owner. If none of these works, use the following steps shown below:

Enable Cookies

Enabling cookies allows websites and services, such as Cloudflare, to regulate your access to these websites. Hence, your browser needs to authorize cookies by websites and services. To enable this functionality, follow these steps:

1. Open the browser on your computer.
   
2. In the address bar, enter the following path and hit Enter:
   chrome://settings/cookies
   
3. Then, click Allow third-party cookies.
   

Disable or Enable a VPN

A VPN alters your IP address to a designated one the VPN server manages. By linking your computer to a VPN, you can effectively bypass IP-blocking problems. Enable a VPN to enjoy this benefit. You may also install one at no cost. The following steps explain how to enable the one built into Windows:

1. Press the Windows + I keys at once to open the Settings window, click Network & Internet, and open VPN.
   
2. When the VPN window opens, toggle the Allow VPN over metered networks switch On, Allow VPN while roaming switch On, and click Add VPN next to VPN connections.
   
3. In the Add a VPN connection window, select Windows (Built-in) for VPN provider, then provide a Connection name you can quickly recognize during connection, e.g., My VPN.
   
4. Afterward, in the Server name or address entry, type in the address for the VPN server.
   
5. Under VPN type, choose the type of VPN connection you intend to create accordingly.
   
6. Under Type of sign-in info, select the (or credentials) to use, for example, a username and password, one-time password, certificate, or a smart card if you’re connecting to a VPN for work.
   
7. Then, enter your username and password in the respective boxes (if required).
   
8. Finally, select Save to confirm the changes.
   

If you use a VPN, Cloudflare’s CDN could interpret the IP address it assigns as potentially malicious. To resolve this, temporarily deactivate the VPN or establish a connection to an alternative server offered by your VPN service. Here is how to do it:

1. Press the Windows + I keys at once to open the Settings window, click Network & Internet and open VPN.
   
2. When the VPN window opens, toggle the Allow VPN over metered networks switch Off and Allow VPN while roaming switch Off.
   

Clear the Browser Cache

Clearing your browser cache helps remove outdated cache that can prevent you from accessing the webpage you’re eagerly waiting for. Unclearing your browser’s cache for a while stores outdated files and scripts. This can cause Cloudflare to consider your connection as spam. Here is how to clear the cache:

1. Open the browser on your computer.
   
2. When it opens, click on the ellipses on the top-right of the display and hover over History.
   
3. Then, on the next set of options that come up, click History.
   
4. Once the next window opens, click on Clear browsing data.
   
5. After that, check the boxes on the left of the Cached images and files, Cookies and other site data, then select the All time range, and click on the Clear data button.
   
6. Then, wait for the process to complete.

Disable Problematic Browser extensions

Disabling problematic browser extensions is a top fix for the 1020 Access Denied Cloudflare error. Certain browser extensions can interfere with the functioning of Cloudflare and cause access issues. Disabling these extensions can resolve the error and regain access to the desired webpage.

Disable extensions using the following steps:

1. To start, open the browser on your computer. For this solution, we will focus on Google Chrome.
   
2. Click on the ellipses (the 3 dots) at the top-right corner of the screen.
   
3. Thirdly, hover over the More tools option.
   
4. Then, click on Extensions.
   
5. Finally, click the toggle switch for the problematic extension to disable it or Remove to completely remove it.
   

In conclusion, the 1020 Access Denied Cloudflare error can be frustrating, but several effective fixes can resolve it. Checking firewall settings, clearing browser cache and cookies, and disabling problematic browser extensions can help users overcome this error and regain access to the desired website.

Following these troubleshooting steps is essential to ensure a smooth browsing experience and avoid access denial issues. Additionally, ensure you keep your browser up to date, use a reputable VPN or proxy server, be aware of the website’s terms of service, and make sure you are not violating any rules.