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How to Fix the WordPress 404 Error: Easy Troubleshooting…

Posted on by William Zheng

Have you ever clicked a link on your WordPress site only to be greeted by a “404 error” message? You’re not alone—this frustrating issue is more common than you might think.

A 404 error means a page can’t be found. This doesn’t just disrupt the visitor experience; it can also hurt your website’s credibility and search rankings. That’s why understanding and fixing 404 errors is essential for every site owner.

In this article, we’ll explain what causes WordPress 404 errors and guide you through effective solutions, practical tips, and prevention strategies, so you can keep your site running smoothly.

Understanding the WordPress 404 Error

When you encounter a “404 Not Found” error on your WordPress website, it means the server couldn’t find the page or post you were looking for. This error is both common and frustrating, particularly when it appears for posts or pages you know should exist. Reasons for this can range from broken permalinks and deleted content to incorrect .htaccess files.

Understanding why this error happens and how to fix it is crucial to maintaining a positive experience for your visitors and preserving your site’s search engine rankings.

Why Do 404 Errors Occur in WordPress?

There are several causes for WordPress 404 errors. Here are some of the most common:

  • Broken or Changed Permalinks: Changing the URL structure or slug, or having a corrupted permalink structure.
  • Deleted or Renamed Content: If the post or page is removed or its URL is updated.
  • Corrupted .htaccess File: On Apache servers, a damaged .htaccess file can disrupt how URLs are processed.
  • Plugin or Theme Conflicts: Some plugins or themes can interfere with your site’s URL handling.
  • Incorrect Domain or Subdomain Setup: Domain misconfiguration can cause missing page errors.
  • Moved Site Without Proper Redirects: Shifting a site and not setting up redirects for old URLs.

Step-by-Step Guide to Fixing WordPress 404 Errors

1. Refresh Permalink Settings

This is one of the most effective fixes for 404 errors, especially after site or URL changes.

  1. Go to your WordPress dashboard.
  2. Navigate to Settings > Permalinks.
  3. Without making any changes, click Save Changes.
    This will regenerate the .htaccess file and can fix most permalink-related errors.

2. Check for Deleted or Renamed Content

  • Review your Posts and Pages.
    If you’ve recently deleted or changed the slug of a post/page, update or restore it.
  • If the URL must change, set up a redirect from the old URL to the new one.

3. Restore the .htaccess File

A corrupted .htaccess file can disrupt how your web server processes URLs.

  1. Access your site via FTP, SFTP, or your web host’s file manager.
  2. Locate the .htaccess file in your root directory.
  3. Save a backup, then delete the file.
  4. Go back to WordPress > Settings > Permalinks and click Save Changes to regenerate it.

Typical .htaccess Content:

# BEGIN WordPress

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

# END WordPress

4. Deactivate Plugins and Themes

  • Temporarily disable all plugins to check for conflicts.
  • If the issue resolves, activate plugins one by one, checking the site after activating each.
  • Switch to a default theme (like Twenty Twenty-Three) to see if your theme causes the error.

5. Clear Website and Browser Cache

  • Clear your browser cache.
  • If you use a caching plugin (e.g., W3 Total Cache, WP Super Cache), clear your site’s cache.
  • If your host provides server-level caching (such as with managed WordPress hosts), clear it from your hosting panel.

6. Check Server Settings

Depending on your server type, specific settings can cause 404s:

  • Apache: Ensure the .htaccess file is present and correct.
  • Nginx: Check that your server block configuration correctly routes permalinks. Consult your host if unsure.

7. Review Redirects

  • If you use a plugin to manage redirects (like Redirection), ensure there are no misconfigured rules causing endless loops or pointing URLs to non-existent pages.

8. Re-upload Missing Files

  • Sometimes core WordPress files can go missing due to failed updates.
  • Download the latest WordPress package and upload fresh core files (except the wp-content folder and wp-config.php) via FTP.

Benefits of Fixing 404 Errors in WordPress

Fixing 404 errors is more than just a technical chore. Here’s why it’s essential:

  • User Experience: Visitors stay longer and are less frustrated when all links work as expected.
  • SEO Preservation: Search engines downgrade sites with many broken links, which can decrease your search ranking.
  • Reduced Bounce Rate: Fewer problems mean people are less likely to leave immediately after landing on your site.
  • Professionalism: A site with no broken links appears well maintained, instilling trust in users and potential customers.

Common Challenges in Fixing 404 Errors

It’s not always a straight path to resolving every 404 issue. Some challenges include:

  • Unclear Source of the Error: Sometimes the cause isn’t obvious, especially with plugins or server misconfigurations.
  • Complex Redirect Scenarios: For sites migrated from other platforms or with heavy content changes, setting up correct redirects can be tricky.
  • Limited Server Access: Shared hosting or managed WordPress environments may restrict access to files like .htaccess.
  • Third-Party Plugin/Theme Issues: Updates or conflicts can suddenly break URLs, requiring deeper troubleshooting.

Practical Tips and Best Practices

  • Use an SEO Plugin: Many SEO plugins help manage redirects and handle 404 errors gracefully.
  • Create a Friendly Custom 404 Page: Instead of a generic error, offer helpful links, a search bar, or your most popular content.
  • Monitor Your Site for 404s: Tools like Google Search Console help you spot and fix broken links quickly.
  • Regularly Back Up Your Site: Before major changes—like editing permalinks, updating themes, or modifying server settings—make backups.
  • Limit URL Changes: Try to avoid changing URLs after you’ve published content, especially on high-traffic pages.

Cost Considerations

Fixing most WordPress 404 errors does not carry a direct cost if you manage your site yourself. However, here are some scenarios where costs may arise:

  • Developer Assistance: If issues are complex or involve custom site functionality, hiring a WordPress developer may be prudent.
  • Premium Plugins: Managing redirects and monitoring errors is easier with paid plugins offering advanced features.
  • Managed Hosting: Some managed WordPress hosts handle performance, caching, and many 404 issues for you as part of their service.

In general, basic troubleshooting and fixes are free for most site owners.

Summary

Dealing with a WordPress 404 error may seem intimidating, but most issues are resolved quickly through a few key steps: refreshing permalinks, restoring the .htaccess file, checking plugins/themes, and managing redirects. Staying proactive with monitoring, using helpful plugins, and keeping your site’s content organized ensures your visitors rarely encounter this error. A seamless user experience and maintained SEO rankings make it well worth your time to fix and prevent 404 errors.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is a 404 error in WordPress?
A 404 error means the server can’t find the page or post you requested. In WordPress, this usually happens because of broken permalinks, deleted content, or server misconfigurations.

Is it dangerous to have 404 errors on my site?
While a few occasional 404s are normal, having too many can frustrate your visitors and hurt your SEO rankings. It’s best to fix them quickly.

How can I monitor 404 errors on my site?
Use tools like Google Search Console or an SEO plugin that tracks 404 errors. These tools notify you about broken links so you can address them promptly.

Do I need coding knowledge to fix 404 errors?
Most WordPress 404 error fixes (like resetting permalinks or deactivating plugins) don’t require coding. For advanced issues, you might need basic knowledge of FTP or server files, or you can seek help from a developer.

Can plugins cause 404 errors?
Yes, sometimes poorly coded or outdated plugins can interfere with your site’s URLs or permalink structure, leading to 404 errors. Disable plugins one at a time to identify the culprit if you suspect a plugin is at fault.

Addressing 404 errors helps your website remain robust and user-friendly. With the right approach and regular maintenance, your WordPress site will deliver a seamless experience every time.

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