If you set up password protection on a directory in your WordPress site and it isn’t working, the problem may be caused by a conflict between the way password protection is configured and the WordPress permalinks feature. Here’s how to fix the problem.
Log in to your HostPapa Dashboard and click My cPanel, then click File Manager.
In the cPanel File manager directory tree, click the root directory of your WordPress site. Make sure that File Manager is configured to include hidden files in the file list. Click Settings in the upper right corner and select Show Hidden Files. Click Save.
In the File Manager file list, click .htaccess, then click Edit.
Locate the following line:
RewriteRule . /index.php [L]
and change it to
RewriteRule ./ /index.php [L]
Click Save Changes, then click Close.
Password protection should now work correctly. If you’re still having trouble, clear your browser cache and try again.
If you have any questions or need help, contact HostPapa Support by opening a support ticket. Details about how to open a support ticket are here.