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WordPress 404 Error: Causes & Easy Fixes for Your Website

Posted on by William Zheng

Ever landed on a “Page Not Found” error just when you needed information most? If you run or manage a WordPress site, a 404 error isn’t just a minor hiccup—it can frustrate visitors and hurt your site’s reputation.

Understanding how WordPress displays and handles 404 errors is crucial for keeping users happy and your website running smoothly. In this article, we’ll explain what causes WordPress 404s and guide you through fixing and preventing them, with practical steps and helpful tips.

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Understanding the WordPress 404 Error

A “404 Not Found” error in WordPress is one of the most common and frustrating issues, both for site owners and visitors. It happens when someone tries to access a webpage or post that doesn’t exist on your website. Instead of finding the sought content, they see a generic message saying the page couldn’t be found. But what causes this, and more importantly, how can you fix it effectively?

Let’s break down why this error appears, what it means for your site, and how you can resolve it with practical, step-by-step solutions.

What Triggers a 404 Error in WordPress?

Before diving into fixes, it’s important to understand why the error shows up in the first place. Here are some of the key reasons:

  • Broken Permalinks: If your permalink structure has changed or isn’t set up properly, WordPress may be unable to find the correct URLs.
  • Deleted or Moved Content: Posts or pages that have been deleted, renamed, or moved without updating the links will trigger a 404 error.
  • Corrupted .htaccess File: This file controls how your URLs are processed. If it’s been altered incorrectly, it can block proper navigation.
  • Plugin or Theme Conflicts: Sometimes, new plugins or theme updates interfere with how URLs are generated and displayed.
  • Migration Issues: If you’ve recently moved your website or restored a backup, some URLs may not have migrated properly.

Step-by-Step: How to Fix WordPress 404 Errors

Now that you know what causes the 404 error, let’s walk through how you can fix it quickly and efficiently.

1. Reset Your Permalinks

The most common fix is simply refreshing your site’s permalinks.

  1. Go to your WordPress dashboard.
  2. Navigate to Settings > Permalinks.
  3. Without making changes, click Save Changes.
  4. Refresh your site and re-test the problematic page.

Why does this work?
Resetting permalinks forces WordPress to update your URL structure, which often resolves simple 404 issues.

2. Check and Repair Your .htaccess File

If permalinks aren’t the issue, the problem might be with your .htaccess file.

  • Using an FTP client or your hosting file manager, locate the .htaccess file in your site’s root directory.
  • Download a backup, then delete it from your server.
  • Go back to WordPress and repeat the permalink reset process as above. A new .htaccess should be generated automatically.

Manual fix:
If WordPress doesn’t recreate the file, copy this code and create a new .htaccess file:

# BEGIN WordPress

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

# END WordPress

Upload it to your site’s root directory.

3. Deactivate Plugins and Themes

Sometimes, plugins or a new theme may conflict with your URLs.

  • Temporarily deactivate all plugins.
  • Check if the 404 error persists.
  • If resolved, reactivate plugins one by one to find the culprit.
  • If plugins aren’t the cause, switch to a default WordPress theme (like Twenty Twenty-Four) to see if your current theme is the issue.

4. Restore or Update Missing Content

You may be getting a 404 simply because the post, page, or media file no longer exists.

  • Check if the link you’re trying corresponds to an existing post or page.
  • If not, update navigation menus or links to remove dead ends.
  • If content was accidentally deleted, restore it from backups or recreate it.

5. Fix URL Typos

Misspelled URLs can cause unnecessary 404 errors.

  • Double-check the URLs you’re using in menus, links, or when typing directly.
  • Make sure there are no unnecessary spaces, hyphens, or capitalizations that don’t match your actual address.

6. Handle WordPress Multisite Issues

If you’re running a multisite network, 404 errors can appear due to improper network setup.

  • Ensure your .htaccess file contains the correct WordPress Multisite rewrite rules.
  • In some cases, domain mapping needs to be correctly configured.

7. Contact Your Web Host

If all else fails, your hosting provider may help.

  • Server configuration issues or restrictions could be at fault.
  • Reach out to your support team for assistance, especially if you suspect a server migration, upgrade, or permissions problem.

Practical Tips and Best Practices

Keeping your WordPress site free of 404 errors isn’t just about fixing problems as they arise. Proactively managing your site can prevent many 404 headaches.

  • Regular Backups: Always keep recent backups so you can restore your site if content is lost.
  • Moderate Plugin Installation: Only use necessary and reputable plugins to reduce conflict risks.
  • Monitor for 404s: Use a plugin or analytics tool to track when visitors hit 404 pages, so you can address issues quickly.
  • Custom 404 Pages: Create a custom 404 page that’s friendly, helpful, and guides visitors back to active content. This improves user experience.
  • Update Internal Links: Routinely check and update links, especially after restructuring your site or removing content.

Cost Tips Related to Troubleshooting

Most 404 error fixes are free if you handle them yourself. However, here are some important cost considerations:

  • DIY Is Cost-Effective: All repairs above, except perhaps custom development, can be done without extra cost.
  • Professional Help: If you hire a developer, expect to pay for their time, but it saves hassle if you’re unsure about editing files or server settings.
  • Plugins: While some plugins that monitor and manage 404 errors are free, a few advanced options may have premium versions with extra features.
  • Hosting Support: Reputable hosts often include basic troubleshooting in their plans, so use their expertise if you’re stuck.

Special Note: Customizing Your 404 Page

Having a standard “Page Not Found” message isn’t very engaging. WordPress lets you create custom 404 pages, which can:

  • Share links to your most popular or recent posts
  • Suggest using the search bar
  • Display a friendly message and your site navigation
  • Encourage visitors to contact you if they need help

Check if your theme includes a 404 template. If not, you can easily create one by adding a 404.php file to your theme directory or using page builder plugins.

Common Challenges When Fixing WordPress 404 Errors

Even when you’re following the above suggestions, you may encounter some roadblocks:

  • No FTP Access: Without it, fixing the .htaccess file is tricky. Contact your host for assistance.
  • Persistent Errors: Rarely, 404 errors will continue even after all basic fixes. This might signal a deeper issue like a WordPress core problem or a hacked site.
  • Multisite Complexities: Multisite installations have additional complexities, especially with domain mapping and network-wide plugins.

Don’t let these challenges discourage you. There’s always a solution, often with a bit of patience and troubleshooting.

Summary

WordPress 404 errors are usually a sign that something simple needs to be fixed—such as permalinks, missing files, or plugin conflicts. By systematically following the steps laid out above, you can typically resolve them quickly and restore your site’s accessibility. For ongoing health, proactively monitor for errors, keep your content organized, and offer visitors helpful custom 404 pages. If you ever feel stuck, don’t hesitate to call in your host’s support or a professional for backup.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What causes the WordPress 404 error the most?
The most common cause is issues with your permalink settings or a corrupted .htaccess file. Other frequent reasons include deleted content and broken links.

2. Will fixing a 404 error on WordPress affect my SEO?
Yes, regular 404 errors can harm your SEO if not managed. Fix broken links promptly and use custom 404 pages to help guide visitors (and search engines) to relevant content.

3. Do I need to pay to fix WordPress 404 errors?
In most cases, fixing 404 errors is free. You may only need to pay if you hire a developer or use a premium plugin for greater control or monitoring.

4. How do I set up a custom 404 error page on my WordPress site?
Most WordPress themes include a default 404 page, but you can create your own by designing a 404.php template, using a page builder, or configuring your theme’s options if available.

5. Are there plugins to help monitor and manage 404 errors?
Absolutely! Several free and premium plugins allow you to track 404 errors, create redirects, and customize your error page—making ongoing maintenance easier and more effective.

By following these guidelines and practices, you’ll not only solve the dreaded WordPress 404 error but also create a better, smoother experience for your website visitors. Happy troubleshooting!

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