How to Fix the "404 Not Found Error" on WordPress

The "404 Not Found Error" is a common issue faced by WordPress users. This error occurs when your site cannot locate the page or post you’re trying to access. While it’s frustrating for visitors, it can also hurt your website’s SEO and user experience if not resolved quickly. Thankfully, fixing this issue on WordPress is straightforward. This guide will walk you through effective solutions in simple terms.

What Causes the "404 Not Found Error" in WordPress?

Before fixing the error, it’s important to understand what causes it. Common reasons include:

Broken permalinks: If your permalinks are not set up correctly, WordPress may fail to locate your content.
Deleted or moved content: A page or post might have been removed or its URL changed without proper redirection.
Theme or plugin conflicts: A faulty theme or plugin can interfere with how WordPress generates URLs.
Corrupted .htaccess file: This important file controls how URLs are handled. If it’s corrupted, 404 errors may appear.

Step-by-Step Solutions to Fix the 404 Error in WordPress

1. Reset Your Permalinks

Broken permalinks are one of the most common causes of the 404 error. Resetting them can often resolve the issue. Here’s how:

Log in to your WordPress dashboard.
Go to Settings > Permalinks.
Select your preferred permalink structure (e.g., "Post Name").
Click Save Changes.

This process rebuilds the permalink settings and often fixes the problem. After saving, refresh the page that was showing the 404 error to see if it’s resolved.

2. Restore the .htaccess File

If resetting permalinks doesn’t work, your .htaccess file might be corrupted. You can restore it by creating a new one:

Access your website’s files using an FTP client like FileZilla or your hosting provider’s file manager.
Locate the .htaccess file in the root directory of your WordPress installation.
Download a backup of the file for safety, then delete it.
Return to your WordPress dashboard and reset permalinks (as explained above). This will automatically generate a new .htaccess file.

Check your site again to see if the 404 error is resolved.

3. Check for Deleted or Moved Content

If the 404 error appears on a specific page or post, ensure the content hasn’t been deleted or its URL hasn’t changed. To fix this:

Go to Posts or Pages in your dashboard and search for the missing content.
If you changed the URL, update the link wherever it’s used on your site.
Set up a 301 redirect for the old URL to point to the new one using a plugin like Redirection.

Script for 404 Errors


  
  // Function to handle 404 errors
function handle404() {
  // Check if the current page status is 404
  if (window.location.href.indexOf('404') > -1) {
    // Redirect to a custom 404 page
    window.location.href = '/404.html'; 
  }
}

// Call the function on page load
window.onload = handle404;

4. Deactivate Plugins and Themes

Sometimes, a faulty plugin or theme can cause 404 errors. To identify the issue:

Deactivate all your plugins in the WordPress dashboard under Plugins.
Check if the 404 error is resolved. If it is, reactivate the plugins one by one to find the culprit.
If plugins are not the issue, switch to a default theme like Twenty Twenty-One under Appearance > Themes.
Test your site again. If the error disappears, your previous theme may be the cause.

Update or replace the problematic plugin or theme to permanently fix the issue.

5. Use a 404 Redirection Plugin

If you have multiple pages showing 404 errors, a redirection plugin can help. Plugins like 404 to 301 or All in One SEO can redirect users from error pages to functioning pages automatically. This not only fixes user experience but also helps maintain your SEO rankings.

6. Monitor and Fix Broken Links

Broken links are a major cause of 404 errors. Regularly scanning your site for such links can prevent this issue. Use tools like:

Broken Link Checker: A WordPress plugin that identifies broken links on your site.
Google Search Console: Check the "Coverage" section for pages that Google flags as 404 errors.

Fix or redirect broken links to their correct destinations.

7. Contact Your Hosting Provider

If none of the above methods work, the issue might be related to your hosting environment. Contact your hosting provider and explain the issue. They can check server settings or identify problems causing the 404 error.

Preventing 404 Errors on WordPress

1. Plan Your URLs Carefully

When creating new pages or posts, choose URLs that are easy to remember and unlikely to change. Consistent URLs reduce the risk of 404 errors.

2. Use Redirects for Moved Content

If you need to move or delete content, always set up a 301 redirect. This ensures visitors and search engines are directed to the correct location.

3. Regularly Audit Your Site

Conduct regular audits to identify and fix broken links or outdated URLs. This keeps your site healthy and user-friendly.

Conclusion

Fixing the "404 Not Found Error" on WordPress is essential for maintaining a positive user experience and protecting your site’s SEO. Whether the issue is caused by broken permalinks, a corrupted .htaccess file, or deleted content, the solutions outlined above will help you resolve it quickly.

By regularly monitoring your site and using tools to identify problems, you can prevent 404 errors from impacting your visitors. Remember, a well-maintained website keeps both users and search engines happy!