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WordPress Default .htaccess File: Guide & Best Practices

Posted on by William Zheng

Ever run into a website error or broken links while managing your WordPress site? Often, the culprit is a misconfigured .htaccess file—a crucial component that quietly keeps your site running smoothly. Understanding the default .htaccess for WordPress can make troubleshooting and optimizing your site much easier.

In this article, you’ll discover what the default .htaccess file should look like, why it matters, and step-by-step guidance to restore or update it properly.

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Understanding the Default .htaccess File in WordPress

If you’re running a WordPress site, you’ve likely heard about the .htaccess file. But what exactly is it, why is it important, and what should the default file look like? Let’s break down everything you need to know about the default .htaccess file for WordPress and how you can safely manage it to keep your site running smoothly.

What Is the .htaccess File in WordPress?

The .htaccess file is a powerful configuration file used on web servers running Apache. In WordPress, this file mainly controls how URLs are handled by your website, making features like “pretty permalinks” (clean, readable URLs) possible.

Key Roles of .htaccess in WordPress


How To Create Default WordPress .htaccess File? - BlogVault - .htaccess wordpress default

  • Permalink Structure: Ensures your URLs are SEO-friendly and easy to navigate.
  • Redirections: Allows you to redirect users and search engines as needed.
  • Security Enhancements: Restricts access to certain files and directories.
  • Performance Improvements: Can enable browser caching or compression for faster loading.

What Does the Default WordPress .htaccess File Look Like?

Out of the box, WordPress creates a simple .htaccess file that contains only the basic rules needed for pretty permalinks. Here’s what the default .htaccess commonly looks like:

# BEGIN WordPress

RewriteEngine On
RewriteBase /
RewriteRule ^index\.php$ - [L]
RewriteCond %{REQUEST_FILENAME} !-f
RewriteCond %{REQUEST_FILENAME} !-d
RewriteRule . /index.php [L]

# END WordPress

What Do These Rules Mean?

  • RewriteEngine On: Turns on the rewriting engine in Apache.
  • RewriteBase /: Sets the base URL for rewriting.
  • Rewrite Rules:
    • First, direct everything through index.php, unless the request is for an actual file (!-f) or directory (!-d).
    • This is the mechanism that powers WordPress permalinks.


How to Restore the Default WordPress .htaccess File - .htaccess wordpress default

How to Locate Your WordPress .htaccess File

Finding your .htaccess file is simple, but it helps to know where to look:

  1. Root Directory
    The .htaccess file is usually in your WordPress installation’s root folder. This is the same place as folders like /wp-admin and /wp-content.

  2. Using FTP or File Manager

  3. Connect to your website via FTP (using tools like FileZilla) or your hosting provider’s file manager.
  4. Look for the .htaccess file in the root directory.
  5. If you don’t see it, ensure hidden files are visible—files starting with a dot (.) are hidden by default.

How to Create or Restore the Default .htaccess File

Occasionally, your .htaccess file can be deleted, corrupted, or overwritten. Here’s how you can restore the default version:

Step-by-Step Guide

  1. Backup First
    Always make a backup of your current .htaccess file before making changes. Download the file to your computer as a precaution.

  2. Open a Text Editor
    Use a simple editor like Notepad (Windows) or TextEdit (Mac).

  3. Paste the Default Content
    Insert the default code from earlier into your new file.

  4. Save and Upload
    Save the file as .htaccess (no extension) and upload it to your site’s root directory.

  5. Set Proper Permissions
    Set the file permissions to 644 to keep it both writable and secure.


How to Locate and Create the WordPress .htaccess File - Hostinger - .htaccess wordpress default

Benefits of Using the Default .htaccess File

  • Simplicity: Keeps your website clean, fast, and easy to troubleshoot.
  • Compatibility: The default rules are tested across millions of WordPress installations.
  • Easy Troubleshooting: Many common errors stem from a corrupt .htaccess—restoring the default often fixes unexpected problems.

When Should You Edit or Extend the .htaccess File?

While the default .htaccess is sufficient for most users, advanced needs might require further customization:

Common Reasons to Customize

  • Security: Block access to sensitive files or directories.
  • Performance: Enable browser caching, Gzip compression, or set up redirects.
  • Functionality: Redirect HTTP to HTTPS or set up “maintenance mode”.

Proceed with Caution

  • Always make a backup before changes.
  • Test your site after editing—one wrong rule can bring your site down.
  • Only add code you fully understand or seek expert help.

Practical Tips and Best Practices

  • Backup Regularly: Download and safely store your .htaccess before making any changes.
  • Use Plugins When Unsure: Many security and optimization plugins can safely manage .htaccess rules for you.
  • Check File Permissions: Recommended permissions are 644; avoid 777, which exposes your site to risks.
  • Use a Staging Site: Test major changes on a staging or development site first.
  • Document Changes: Keep notes on what you add so you can easily roll back if something goes wrong.

Troubleshooting Common .htaccess Issues

Sometimes you may run into errors related to your .htaccess file. Here are a few common scenarios and how to resolve them:


WordPress .htaccess File: A Beginner's Complete Tutorial - .htaccess wordpress default

1. “Internal Server Error” After Editing

  • Revert to your backup or restore the default code.
  • Check for typos or syntax errors.

2. WordPress Permalinks Not Working

  • Go to WordPress dashboard > Settings > Permalinks, and click “Save Changes”.
  • This forces WordPress to regenerate your .htaccess file.

3. Site Suddenly Broken

  • Temporarily rename the .htaccess file to .htaccess_old and see if your site loads.
  • If the site works, you know the issue is with .htaccess.

Advanced Uses: What Else Can You Do With .htaccess?

The .htaccess file is extendable for a variety of advanced features, but always proceed carefully:

  • 301 Redirects: Permanent URL changes to preserve SEO.
  • Blocking Bots/IPs: Restrict access to malicious visitors.
  • Restrict Directory Browsing: Prevent users from seeing file indexes.
  • Custom Error Pages: Show friendly messages for 404 or 500 errors.

If you plan to customize your .htaccess file, document everything and keep a backup handy.

Cost and Hosting Considerations

You won’t incur extra costs just for using the default .htaccess file. However, keep these points in mind:

  • Hosting Environment: Apache servers support .htaccess. If you’re using NGINX or other servers, you’ll edit configuration files differently.
  • Backups: Use your host’s backup options or your own to protect your configuration files.
  • Plugin Choices: Some paid plugins may offer advanced .htaccess file management as part of their features.

A Summary of Key Points

The .htaccess file in WordPress is vital for controlling permalinks and basic site functionality. The default file is robust for most users, but it’s also flexible for advanced needs. Always back up before making changes, and restore the default file if you run into trouble. Handling this small file with care can prevent big headaches down the road.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the default WordPress .htaccess file?
The default file is a simple set of rules that enable “pretty permalinks” in WordPress. It allows URLs like example.com/about instead of example.com/?p=123 and is created by WordPress in your site’s root directory.

My .htaccess file is missing—how do I create a new one?
Open a text editor, copy in the default code provided above, and save it as .htaccess. Upload this file to your website’s root directory. Don’t forget to set permissions to 644.

How do I fix a site error caused by a wrong .htaccess file?
First, remove or rename the problematic .htaccess. Restore from backup or create a new default file. You can also regenerate it by resetting your permalinks in the WordPress admin area.

Is it safe to edit the .htaccess file manually?
Yes, but only if you’re careful. Always back up before editing. Simple errors in this file can break your site, so make changes slowly and test after each edit.

Can plugins modify my .htaccess file?
Yes, many WordPress plugins (especially security, caching, and SEO plugins) can add their own rules to .htaccess. Always review changes, and periodically back up your .htaccess file in case you need to restore it.

By understanding and properly managing your WordPress .htaccess file, you’ll be empowered to keep your site working efficiently, securely, and as you intend.

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