Encountering a 404 Error on your website can be a real headache, both for you and your visitors. This 404 Oops Page Not Found message not only disrupts the user experience but can also negatively impact your site’s SEO and credibility. Whether you’re a site owner or an experienced webmaster, knowing how to effectively fix 404 errors is essential. In this article, we’ll guide you through the steps to troubleshoot and resolve these errors, ensuring your visitors find the content they’re seeking and your website runs smoothly.
What is HTTP Error 404?
A 404 error is an HTTP status code that indicates that the server was unable to find the requested resource. In simple terms, when a user attempts to view a webpage that does not exist on the server, they receive a 404 Not Found error. The 404 error indicates that the user can still access the server, the particular page or resource they are looking for is not accessible at the given address. This error appears as
- 404 Not Found
- HTTP 404
- 404 Page Not Found
- 404 File or Directory Not Found
- Requested URL Not Found on the Server
- Error 404 Not Found
- HTTP 404 Not Found
- Cannot Find the Page You’re Looking For
Causes of WordPress 404 Error
- Incorrect URL
- DNS Misconfiguration
- Server or Hosting Misconfiguration
- Missing Page Assets
- Moved or deleted the Webpage
- Broken Links
- Caching Problems
- Assess Restrictions
How to Fix WordPress 404 Error?
Follow these steps to fix WordPress 404 Error,
Deactivate Your Plugin
Plugins can conflict and cause a 404 response code. To determine if a plugin is the issue:
- Deactivate all plugins by going to Plugins > Installed Plugins in the WordPress dashboard.
- Reactivate each plugin one at a time, refreshing your site after each activation, to determine the problem.
.htaccess File Issue
In WordPress, the.htaccess file controls how the server handles URLs. 404 errors can be caused by a missing or corrupted.htaccess file. This is how to resolve it:
- Log in with an FTP client to your server.
- Get the.htaccess file from the same directory as the /wp-content/, wp-admin, and /wp-includes/ files.
- Open any text editor with the downloaded file.
- Go to the WordPress support page for.htaccess and copy/paste the code that best fits your website.
- Upload the.htaccess file to the live server after saving it.
- If the file is corrupted, you can reset it by adding the default WordPress .htaccess code:
| # BEGIN WordPress <IfModule mod_rewrite.c> RewriteEngineOn RewriteBase / RewriteRule ^index\.php$ – [L] RewriteCond %{REQUEST_FILENAME} !-f RewriteCond %{REQUEST_FILENAME} !-d RewriteRule . /index.php [L] </IfModule> # END WordPress |
Setting 301 Redirect
If you have changed the URL of a certain page but have yet to redirect it, it is time to redirect the old URL to the new URL. You can use a .htaccess file or a plugin to redirect visitors to your previous post or page.
Add the following code to your .htaccess file.
| Redirect 301 /oldpage.html https://www.mywebsite.com/newpage.html |
Set the Permalink
If your other WordPress website pages return a WordPress 404 page not found error, you can change your permalink settings as follows:
- Enter the WordPress Dashboard and log in.
- Select Permalinks under Settings.
- Choose the default setting.
- Select “Save Changes” from the menu.
- Set the settings to the previous configuration. Restore the custom structure if you had one.
- Select Save Settings.
Clean your Browser Cache
The browser’s cache could cause the 404 error. So, clearing your browser or visiting your website in incognito mode can fix your problem. If you use Google Chrome, here’s how to clear your browser cache.
- To clear your cache in Google Chrome, click the three dots icon in the upper right corner of the browser window, then select Settings > Privacy and Security > Delete browsing data.
- In the Clear browsing data window, select the Basic and Advanced option to remove more advanced data. You can clear passwords, autofill form data, site settings, and hosted app data. When done, click Delete Data.
Conclusion
Fixing a 404 Error on your website is essential for maintaining a seamless user experience and ensuring your site’s SEO health. Regularly monitoring and updating your site can prevent future 404 errors and keep your visitors engaged and satisfied. Remember, a well-maintained website reflects your commitment to providing quality content and a positive user experience. Implement these strategies to ensure your website remains accessible and user-friendly.
Q: What is a 404 error?
A 404 error occurs when the server cannot find the requested URL. It means the resource is not available at the specified address.
Q: Can plugins cause 404 errors?
Yes, conflicts with plugins can sometimes cause 404 errors. Disable all plugins temporarily to see if the error is resolved, then reactivate them one by one to identify the culprit.
Q: How can I prevent 404 errors in the future?
Regularly monitor your site for broken links, ensure all URLs are correct, and use 301 redirects for any moved or deleted pages. Keeping your site well-maintained and up-to-date will help prevent 404 errors.
