How To Fix W+253 - You are not authorized to change layout area '&'

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: W+ -

• Message number: 253

• Message text: You are not authorized to change layout area '&'

Self-Explanatory Message

Since SAP believes that this specific error message is 'self-explanatory,' no more information has been given.The majority of messages in the SAP system have a message text, however this is frequently insufficient to comprehend or resolve the problem.

To make things easier, more detailed information is frequently added to describe the issue, how to fix it, and the necessary steps or configuration modifications.

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Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message W+253 - You are not authorized to change layout area '&' ?

  The SAP error message W+253, which states "You are not authorized to change layout area '&'", typically occurs when a user attempts to modify a layout area in a report or transaction for which they do not have the necessary authorization. This can happen in various SAP modules, particularly in reporting tools like SAP Query or SAP List Viewer (ALV).
  Cause:
  
  Authorization Issues: The user lacks the required authorization object to change the layout area. This could be due to missing roles or permissions assigned to the user profile.
  Layout Area Restrictions: The specific layout area may be restricted to certain users or roles, preventing unauthorized changes.
  System Configuration: The system may have been configured to restrict changes to certain layout areas for security or data integrity reasons.
  
  Solution:
  
  
  Check User Authorizations:
  
  Use transaction code SU53 immediately after encountering the error to check for missing authorizations.
  Review the authorization objects related to layout changes, such as S_USER_AUTH or specific authorization objects related to the transaction or report you are using.
  
  
  
  Request Additional Authorizations:
  
  If you identify missing authorizations, contact your SAP security team or system administrator to request the necessary roles or permissions.
  
  
  
  Review Layout Area Settings:
  
  If you have access to the configuration, check the settings for the layout area in question to see if there are restrictions in place.
  Ensure that the layout area is not set to be read-only for your user group.
  
  
  
  Consult Documentation:
  
  Refer to SAP documentation or help resources for specific details on the layout area and the required authorizations.
  
  
  
  Testing:
  
  After adjustments are made, test the changes by attempting to modify the layout area again.
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Authorization Objects: Familiarize yourself with the relevant authorization objects that control access to layout changes in SAP.
  User Roles: Understand the roles assigned to your user profile and how they relate to the tasks you are trying to perform.
  SAP Notes: Check for any SAP Notes related to this error message for additional insights or patches that may address the issue.
  Training: Consider training or resources on SAP security and authorizations to better understand how to manage and request access.
  
  If the issue persists after following these steps, it may be beneficial to escalate the matter to your SAP support team for further investigation.