How to Fix the ‘404 Error’ in WordPress: A Beginner’s Guide
Learn How to Fix 404 Errors in WordPress | Improve User Experience and SEO | Identify Causes and Solutions | Keep Your Site Error-Free

Introduction to 404 Errors in WordPress
Welcome to our comprehensive guide on fixing the dreaded ‘404 Error’ in WordPress. If you’ve stumbled upon this page, chances are you’re trying to solve a puzzling issue that’s affecting your website’s accessibility and user experience. Fear not, because we’re here to help you navigate through this common web dilemma with ease.
What is a 404 Error? A 404 error, known as an HTTP status code, signals that the page you are trying to reach on a website cannot be found on the server. This is one of the most common web errors and can be frustrating for both website owners and visitors.
These errors can arise for a variety of reasons, such as:
- The page has been deleted or moved to a different URL: This is a common scenario when you’re reorganizing your website’s content.
- The URL has been mistyped or misspelled: A simple typo in the link can lead to a 404 error.
- The server is experiencing technical issues: Sometimes, the problem might be with the server itself, rather than your website’s content.
Understanding the root cause of these errors is crucial as it helps in applying the right solution to fix them. In this guide, we’ll explore various methods to identify and resolve 404 errors, ensuring your website runs smoothly and your visitors enjoy a seamless experience.
So, let’s dive in and start troubleshooting!
Identifying 404 Errors on Your Website
Before diving into the solutions, it’s crucial to detect where and why these 404 errors are occurring on your website. Thankfully, there are effective tools and methods that can help you in this detective work.
- Using Google Search Console: Google Search Console is a free tool provided by Google that can be invaluable in identifying 404 errors. It not only pinpoints the exact pages that are causing issues but also provides insights into why these errors might be happening. Setting up your website with Google Search Console and regularly checking the reports can help you stay on top of 404 errors.
- Employing Broken Link Checker Plugin: Another great tool for WordPress users is the Broken Link Checker plugin. This plugin scans your entire website for broken links, including those leading to 404 errors. It’s user-friendly and provides an easy way to detect and even fix these broken links directly from your WordPress dashboard. Regular use of this plugin can greatly reduce the chances of 404 errors occurring on your site.
Identifying 404 errors is a critical first step in the process. Once you know where the issues lie, you can take targeted actions to rectify them, which we will cover in the next sections of this guide. So, let’s get those issues fixed!
Solutions to Fix 404 Errors in WordPress
Having identified the 404 errors on your site, it’s now time to address and fix them. There are several methods you can employ to resolve these issues effectively.
- Updating Permalink Settings: A common fix for 404 errors in WordPress involves updating your permalink settings. This can be easily done by navigating to
Settings > Permalinks
in your WordPress dashboard and clicking the ‘Save Changes’ button. This action refreshes your site’s permalink structure and often resolves the 404 errors without the need to alter the current settings. - Restoring the .htaccess File: If updating the permalinks doesn’t work, your next step should be to check the .htaccess file. This file is crucial for WordPress permalinks, and issues here can lead to 404 errors. Access your site via FTP, find the .htaccess file in your root directory, and ensure it contains the correct WordPress code. If you’re unsure, you can always reset it to the default WordPress .htaccess configuration.
- Setting Up 301 Redirects: For pages that have moved, setting up 301 redirects can be a lifesaver. This tells browsers that a page has permanently moved to a new location, automatically directing visitors and search engines to the new URL. You can use plugins like Redirection or Yoast SEO to manage these redirects effortlessly.
- Disabling Conflicting Plugins or Themes: Sometimes, 404 errors can be caused by conflicts with plugins or themes. To diagnose this, try deactivating your plugins one by one and switching to a default WordPress theme. If the error resolves, reactivate them one at a time to identify the culprit.
By employing these methods, you can effectively tackle and fix 404 errors on your WordPress site, ensuring a smooth and error-free experience for your visitors.
Benefits of Fixing 404 Errors
Understanding the importance of resolving 404 errors is as crucial as knowing how to fix them. Fixing these errors can significantly enhance your website’s performance and user experience. Let’s delve into some key benefits.
- Improved User Experience: One of the primary benefits of fixing 404 errors is the improvement in user experience. Visitors are less likely to leave your site out of frustration, and a smooth browsing experience can significantly increase user engagement and satisfaction.
- Better SEO and Search Engine Rankings: 404 errors can negatively impact your site’s SEO as search engines prefer websites that provide a seamless user experience. By fixing these errors, you improve your website’s visibility in search engine results, potentially leading to increased traffic and higher rankings.
By taking proactive steps to address 404 errors, you’re not just fixing broken links; you’re enhancing your website’s overall quality and performance. This not only pleases your visitors but also signals to search engines that your site is well-maintained and reliable.
Differences Between 404 and Soft 404 Errors
In the realm of website errors, it’s essential to understand the distinction between ‘404’ and ‘Soft 404’ errors. Both can impact user experience and SEO, but they differ in key ways.
- Hard 404 Errors: A hard 404 error occurs when a page is genuinely missing or has been removed. This results in the server sending a 404 error code, signaling to both the user and search engines that the page no longer exists. Such errors can occur due to reasons like the deletion of a page or a broken link.
- Soft 404 Errors: A soft 404, on the other hand, happens when a requested page is missing or invalid, but the server returns a 200 OK status (indicating success) instead of a 404 error. This creates a confusing scenario where the page tells users it doesn’t exist while indicating to search engines that it does. Soft 404s can mislead search engines and users, and are often a result of incorrect server configurations or issues with the site’s content management.
Identifying and resolving these errors is crucial for maintaining a healthy website. Hard 404 errors should be corrected by restoring deleted pages or fixing broken links, while soft 404 errors require reviewing server responses and ensuring that pages return the correct status codes.
Preventing Future 404 Errors in WordPress
Preventing 404 errors is key to maintaining a healthy and user-friendly website. Here are some effective strategies to minimize the occurrence of these errors:
- Regularly Check for Broken Links: Broken links, both internal and external, are a common cause of 404 errors. Regularly scanning your website for broken links and repairing them can greatly reduce these errors. Tools like Broken Link Checker can automate this process for you.
- Ensure Correct Permalinks: Incorrect permalinks can lead users to 404 error pages. Make sure that your permalink settings are correct and update them if you change the structure. Regularly check for any discrepancies in your permalink structure to avoid these errors.
- Manage Deleted Pages Properly: If you delete a page that is linked from other parts of your site or external sources, it can result in a 404 error. Redirect users to an appropriate page when a deleted page is accessed. This can be done using redirect plugins or manually setting up redirects in your .htaccess file.
- Monitor Server Configuration: Server issues can also cause 404 errors. Ensure your server is properly configured and not overloaded. Regularly communicate with your hosting provider to troubleshoot any potential server issues.
- Avoid Typing Errors in URLs: Simple typing mistakes in URLs can lead to 404 errors. Double-check the URLs for typographical errors before publishing them on your website or linking them externally.
- Check Compatibility of Plugins and Themes: Sometimes, plugins or themes can conflict with each other and cause 404 errors. Regularly test your plugins and themes, especially after updates, to ensure they are compatible and functioning correctly;.
By implementing these strategies, you can significantly reduce the occurrence of 404 errors on your WordPress site, enhancing both user experience and your website’s overall health.
Conclusion
Dealing with 404 errors in WordPress can be a daunting task for both website owners and visitors. However, understanding the causes, applying the right solutions, and taking preventative measures can greatly alleviate these issues. By addressing 404 errors, you not only enhance the user experience but also significantly improve your website’s SEO and overall functionality.
Key takeaways include:
- Identify the Causes: Regularly check for broken links, outdated permalinks, and deleted pages that could lead to 404 errors.
- Implement Solutions: Utilize tools like the Broken Link Checker plugin and Google Search Console for monitoring and fixing 404 errors.
- Stay Updated: Keep your WordPress installation and plugins up-to-date to avoid compatibility issues that may cause errors.
- Regular Monitoring: Regularly review your website, especially after updates or changes, to ensure all links function correctly.
Ultimately, fixing 404 errors is a continuous process that involves regular website maintenance and monitoring. By dedicating time to these practices, you can ensure a smooth browsing experience for your visitors and maintain a healthy, SEO-friendly website. Remember, a well-maintained website is a cornerstone to a successful online presence.