You try to visit a website. Everything looks fine. But then… “Access Denied – Error Code 1020.” No warning. No explanation.
Just a brick wall.
It’s frustrating. Especially when you’re using a VPN — or worse — selling VPN services and your customers are the ones complaining about it.
Here’s the thing: error code 1020 isn’t about your device, internet, or even the VPN service. It’s about the website saying, “No thanks, we don’t trust this request.”
This post will explain what this Cloudflare error actually means, why it happens, and how you can fix it — whether you’re a user, a business owner, or someone ready to start their own VPN brand.
What Is Error Code 1020?
Let’s keep it simple.
Cloudflare error code 1020 shows up when you’re blocked by a website’s firewall. The site uses Cloudflare to control who can (and can’t) access it. If your connection breaks one of their rules — you’re out.
This doesn’t mean the website is down. It means you specifically got blocked.
Cloudflare is a middleman that protects sites from bots, attackers, and shady traffic. But sometimes, it gets overprotective. And that’s when legitimate users — like you or your VPN clients — get caught in the crossfire.
Common Reasons for Cloudflare Error 1020
There isn’t one universal cause. But there are a few patterns that explain most cases.
- Suspicious IP address (from a flagged server or range)
- VPN or proxy traffic that looks unusual
- Too many requests too quickly
- Location-based blocks (geo-restrictions)
- Browser fingerprint mismatches
- Headers that trip a firewall rule
In short, the website has decided your traffic looks risky — and Cloudflare enforces the block.
Why VPN Users See Error Code 1020 More Than Anyone?
This is where things get relevant for you as a potential VPN reseller.
When users connect to a VPN, they route traffic through a different IP address. That’s the whole point — privacy, security, freedom.
But here’s what Cloudflare might see:
- A sudden connection from a new country
- An IP address shared by hundreds of users
- Patterns that match bots or crawlers
That’s enough to trigger error code 1020 Cloudflare, even when the person is just trying to check email or read a blog.
And if you’re selling VPN services, this kind of error — if not handled — becomes a support headache fast.
How to Fix Error Code 1020 (As a User)
If you’re on the receiving end of this error, there are a few easy steps to try.
1. Switch VPN Servers
Use a different location. If one IP is blocked, another usually isn’t.
2. Clear Your Browser Cache & Cookies
Sometimes session data sets off rules. A clean browser avoids that.
3. Try a Different Browser
Some browsers send headers differently. Firefox might work where Chrome fails.
4. Turn Off Extensions
Privacy tools, ad blockers, and some plugins modify requests — and that can flag you.
5. Disable VPN Temporarily
If the site loads without VPN, the IP is the issue. If not, it’s something else.
What If You Run the Site?
If your business or client uses Cloudflare, you might be blocking legitimate users without knowing it.
Here’s how to check:
- Log into Cloudflare
- Go to Firewall > Events
- Filter by “Action: Block”
- See which rule triggered it
- Adjust the rule or add a bypass
Many sites just use default settings that are too aggressive. Fixing this takes 5 minutes and can unlock traffic you didn’t even know you were blocking.
The Bigger Problem: False Positives
This is where error 1020 goes from nuisance to business issue.
When good users get blocked:
- They don’t blame the website.
- They don’t blame Cloudflare.
- They blame you — the VPN provider.
Even if you’re not at fault.
This is exactly why choosing the right infrastructure matters. If you’re reselling VPN access under your brand, your user experience needs to be clean, fast, and accessible.
And that’s where PureVPN comes in.
Let’s Talk Opportunity (Not Just Errors)
Here’s the pivot.
Most people look at error 1020 as a tech annoyance. You? You can look at it as a way to build a business.
Let’s say you’re:
- A freelancer with a tech audience
- A SaaS company with global users
- A digital agency working with remote clients
- A brand in a country where access is often restricted
All of these audiences need secure, reliable VPN access — and they’re tired of support tickets, blocked sites, and vague errors.
You can provide the solution under your name — without building a single server.
What You Actually Get From PureVPN?
Let’s be real — anyone can spin up a VPN today. But maintaining one? That’s a nightmare.
With PureVPN White Label:
- You sell VPN under your brand
- We manage everything else: servers, updates, IP pools, compliance
- You offer clients a trusted experience with real uptime
- You generate monthly recurring revenue
- You avoid things like… you guessed it: error code 1020
It’s not just about privacy. It’s about access that works.
Why This Matters Now?
Cloudflare is getting stricter.
Websites are adding more blocks.
Users expect smoother performance — especially when they’re paying.
If you offer VPN access that constantly triggers firewall errors, they’ll leave. But if you offer a private-label VPN that avoids those pitfalls, they’ll stick — and refer others.
This isn’t hypothetical. It’s happening now.
People want:
- Local IPs
- Fast switching
- Less hassle
- Clean access
You offer that? You win. Plain and simple.
Ready to Offer a VPN That Doesn’t Just Work — But Works Everywhere?
Most VPN users don’t care about “servers in 100 countries.” They want access. They want reliability. And they want to trust that your brand won’t leave them locked out behind some firewall error.
You can be the one who gives them that.
No dev team. No servers. No guesswork.
Just a fully managed VPN platform, under your name, backed by years of experience.