Stumbling upon a “404 Not Found” error on your WordPress site can be both frustrating and confusing—especially when you’re trying to keep visitors engaged. These errors not only disrupt the user experience but may also hurt your site’s credibility.
Understanding how to fix and prevent “404 Not Found” errors is essential for maintaining a smooth website. In this article, we’ll explain what causes these errors and provide easy, actionable steps to resolve them on your WordPress site.
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Understanding the “404 Not Found” Error in WordPress
A “404 Not Found” error in WordPress is an all-too-common frustration. You and your website visitors expect your content to load smoothly every time. But sometimes, a simple click leads to a 404 page that says the content can’t be found.
What causes this mysterious dead end? How can you fix it? Fortunately, it’s usually easily resolved once you understand the root causes. Let’s explore the reasons for 404 errors on WordPress sites, walk through practical fixes, and discuss ways to prevent them in the future.
What Is a 404 Error?
A 404 error means that the server can’t find the page or resource you requested. In WordPress, this usually happens when the URL for a post or page doesn’t line up with what’s actually stored on your server.
Common scenarios include:
- You delete or rename a post/page without updating internal links.
- You change permalink settings.
- Your .htaccess file (which handles URL rewriting) is misconfigured or missing.
- There’s a problem with your theme or plugins.
If you see your homepage working perfectly, but every other page shows 404—not found, this almost always points to an issue with your permalinks or .htaccess file.
Step-by-Step: How to Fix WordPress 404 Not Found Errors
No need to panic! Let’s break down the best ways to resolve 404 errors on your WordPress site.
1. Refresh Your Permalink Settings
The most common solution is also the simplest. WordPress permalinks control the URLs for your posts and pages. Sometimes they need to be reset.
Here’s what to do:
- Go to your WordPress dashboard.
- Click “Settings” > “Permalinks.”
- Without changing anything, click the blue “Save Changes” button.
WordPress will update your .htaccess file with the correct rules. Check your site again to see if 404 errors are gone.
2. Check and Restore the .htaccess File
The .htaccess file is a critical part of WordPress’s URL structure. If it’s missing, corrupt, or contains bad code, your site won’t serve pages correctly.
To check and fix your .htaccess file:
- Access your website files via FTP or your hosting control panel’s File Manager.
- Locate the .htaccess file in your website’s root directory.
- Download a backup before making changes.
- Replace its content with the default WordPress .htaccess rules:
“`
# BEGIN WordPress
RewriteEngine On
RewriteBase /
RewriteRule ^index.php$ – [L]
RewriteCond %{REQUEST_FILENAME} !-f
RewriteCond %{REQUEST_FILENAME} !-d
RewriteRule . /index.php [L]
# END WordPress
“`
- Save the file and re-upload if necessary.
- Try accessing your pages again.
Tip: If you can’t see the .htaccess file, your FTP client may be hiding dot files. Make sure “show hidden files” is enabled.
3. Deactivate Your Plugins Temporarily
Sometimes, plugins can interfere with URL structures or even override permalinks.
Steps to check plugins:
- Go to “Plugins” in your dashboard.
- Deactivate all plugins.
- Test a broken link. If it works, reactivate plugins one by one to find the culprit.
Note: Don’t forget to clear your site and browser cache after deactivating/re-activating plugins.
4. Switch to a Default Theme
Rarely, a theme may cause URL conflicts or serve the wrong template for certain pages, resulting in a 404 error.
How to test your theme:
- Go to “Appearance” > “Themes.”
- Activate a default WordPress theme like Twenty Twenty-One.
- Check if your broken pages load correctly.
If they do, your theme is likely causing the issue. Consider contacting the theme developer or switching themes.
5. Manually Set Up Redirects
When content is deleted, moved, or changed, URLs may become outdated. Setting up manual redirects helps your visitors (and search engines) find the right content.
Use a redirection plugin:
- Install a plugin like “Redirection.”
- Set up 301 redirects from old/broken URLs to new working URLs.
Redirects also preserve your SEO rankings and ensure smooth user experience.
6. Clear Caches Everywhere
If you use caching at any level—browser, plugin, or server-side—a cached 404 page could cause persistent problems.
Make sure to:
- Clear your website cache (from caching plugins).
- Clear your hosting/server cache (if used).
- Clear your browser cache.
Fresh caches ensure you’re seeing the latest version of your site.
7. Update or Reinstall WordPress Core
Corrupted or incomplete WordPress files can cause issues, including 404 errors. Updating or reinstalling ensures all core files are in place.
To update WordPress:
- Go to “Dashboard” > “Updates.”
- Click to update to the latest version if available.
To reinstall WordPress:
- On the updates page, you can also click “Re-install Now.”
Tip: Always back up your website before making major changes.
8. Verify Server Configuration
Sometimes, server-level settings are the source of trouble. If you’re on certain web hosts, you may need to:
- Check that Apache’s “mod_rewrite” module is enabled.
- Ensure your server supports .htaccess overrides.
- Contact your host’s support if you’re unsure.
Other Causes and Advanced Troubleshooting
Here are some additional reasons you might encounter 404 errors on your WordPress site, and what you can do about them:
- Incorrect Site URL settings: Double-check “Settings” > “General” to ensure your WordPress Address (URL) and Site Address (URL) are correct.
- Content Not Published: Ensure posts/pages are public and published, not drafts, password-protected, or private.
- Custom Post Types Not Registered Properly: If you use custom post types (via themes or plugins), their registration might be incorrect. Flushing your rewrite rules often helps.
- Multisite Configuration Issues: For WordPress Multisite networks, the .htaccess rules and domain mapping must be correct.
Practical Tips and Best Practices
Preventing 404 errors is part of good website management. Here are some essential tips:
Regular Maintenance
- Update WordPress, themes, and plugins regularly.
- Review and refresh your permalinks after major updates.
Monitor for Broken Links
- Use tools or plugins to scan for broken URLs.
- Fix or remove broken internal/external links promptly.
Always Backup
- Backup your website regularly—especially before major changes.
- Store backups in a secure off-site location.
Create a Helpful Custom 404 Page
Even with vigilance, some users may encounter 404s. A custom 404 page can guide visitors back to main sections or popular posts, minimizing frustration.
- Use a friendly design with helpful navigation.
- Offer a search bar or links to main categories.
Communicate with Your Host
- If you’re stuck, don’t hesitate to reach out to your hosting provider’s support.
- Some hosts manage .htaccess settings or server-level caching for you and can assist quickly.
Advanced: Handling 404s for Developers
If you manage a large or custom WordPress site:
- Make sure custom post types use correct rewrite settings.
- Use hooks like flush_rewrite_rules() after major changes.
- Customize your 404 template (404.php in your theme) for consistent branding and UX.
Understanding the Benefits of Proper Error Handling
Fixing and preventing 404 errors rewards you with:
- Better User Experience: Visitors can easily find what they’re looking for.
- Improved SEO: Search engines favor sites with fewer broken links.
- Increased Time on Site: Keeping users engaged reduces bounce rates.
- Professionalism: A seamless website appearance builds trust.
Cost Tips
Most 404 fixes are free and just require your time. Occasionally, you might incur costs if:
- You hire a developer for advanced troubleshooting.
- You buy a premium plugin for broken link monitoring or redirects.
- Your hosting provider charges for extended support.
Shipping or logistics costs do not apply directly, as 404 errors are a technical website issue. Just be careful if you’re hiring outside help or purchasing services—compare prices and check reviews.
Summary
WordPress 404 Not Found errors are common but usually easy to fix. Most issues relate to permalinks or the .htaccess file—resetting these resolves the majority of cases. Always maintain regular backups, monitor your links, and consider a custom 404 page to help your users. By following these steps, your site will remain user-friendly and search engine ready.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What causes 404 errors in WordPress?
Most 404 errors are caused by permalink issues, a missing or corrupt .htaccess file, or plugin/theme conflicts. Other causes include deleted content, incorrect URLs, or server misconfigurations.
How can I create a custom 404 page in WordPress?
You can create a 404.php template within your active theme. Personalize it with friendly messaging, navigation links, or a search bar to help users find what they need if they get lost.
Will fixing 404 errors improve my SEO?
Yes. Fewer 404 errors mean search engines can index your content more effectively. Too many broken links or inaccessible pages can negatively affect your search rankings.
Is it safe to reset permalinks?
Yes, resetting your permalinks in WordPress is safe and is often the first recommended step for solving 404 errors. Make sure to backup your .htaccess file just in case.
What should I do if none of these solutions work?
If you’ve tried the main troubleshooting steps—resetting permalinks, checking .htaccess, disabling plugins/themes—and still have 404 issues, contact your hosting support. There may be server-side problems, or you could need deeper technical investigation.
Taking care of 404 errors ensures your website remains reliable, professional, and welcoming to both visitors and search engines. Regular checks and quick fixes will keep your WordPress site running smoothly!