How to fix error 404 in WordPress Website?

Encountering the dreaded “404 Not Found” error on your WordPress website can be frustrating for both you and your visitors. This error message indicates that the requested page or resource cannot be found on your server. While it might seem daunting, troubleshooting and resolving 404 errors in WordPress is often simpler than you think. This comprehensive guide equips you with the knowledge and tools to identify, diagnose, and fix 404 error in wordpress websites, ensuring a smooth and error-free experience for your website’s visitors.

Understanding the 404 Error

The 404 error is a standard HTTP status code that signifies the server cannot find the requested resource. When a visitor’s browser requests a page or file that doesn’t exist or has been moved, the server responds with the 404 error message.

Common Causes of 404 Errors in WordPress

Several factors can contribute to 404 errors on your WordPress website:

• Incorrect Permalinks: WordPress uses permalinks to define the structure of your website’s URLs. If your permalink settings are incorrect or have been modified, it can lead to 404 errors.
• Missing or Moved Content: If a page or post has been deleted or moved to a different location without proper redirection, visitors attempting to access the old URL will encounter a 404 error.
• Broken Links: Links within your website’s content, menu, or widgets might be pointing to incorrect or non-existent URLs, leading to 404 errors when clicked.
• Theme or Plugin Issues: Incompatibility or conflicts between your WordPress theme and plugins can sometimes cause 404 errors.
• Server Configuration: Issues with your server’s configuration, such as incorrect .htaccess rules or caching settings, can also lead to 404 errors.

Steps to quick fix error 404 in wordpress website?

1. Check the URL:

The first step is to double-check the URL for any typos or errors. Even a minor mistake in the URL can lead to a 404 error.

2. Reset Permalinks:

Incorrect permalink settings are a common cause of 404 errors. Resetting your permalinks can often resolve this issue.

• Go to Permalinks Settings: In your WordPress dashboard, navigate to “Settings” > “Permalinks.”
• Choose a Permalink Structure: Select a permalink structure that suits your website’s needs. The “Post name” structure is generally recommended for SEO.
• Save Changes: Click the “Save Changes” button to update your permalink settings.
• See if this resolved the issue of Error 404 by visiting multiple pages, if not then move to next step.

3. Restore or Redirect Missing Content:

If a page or post has been deleted or moved, you have two options:

• Restore the Content: If you have a backup of your website, restore the missing content to its original location.
• Redirect the URL: If you don’t want to restore the content, set up a redirect from the old URL to a relevant existing page or post. You can use a redirection plugin or edit your .htaccess file to create redirects.
• See if this resolved the issue of Error 404 by visiting multiple pages, if not then move to next step.

4. Fix Broken Links:

Broken links within your website’s content, menu, or widgets can lead to 404 errors.

• Identify Broken Links: Use a broken link checker plugin or online tool to scan your website for broken links.
• Update or Remove Links: Update the broken links to point to the correct URLs or remove them if they’re no longer relevant.
• See if this resolved the issue of Error 404 by visiting multiple pages, if not then move to next step.

5. Deactivate and Reactivate Plugins:

Temporarily deactivate all your plugins and then reactivate them one by one to identify any plugin conflicts that might be causing 404 errors.

6. Switch to a Default Theme:

Temporarily switch to a default WordPress theme (like Twenty Twenty-Four) to determine if your current theme is contributing to the 404 errors.

7. Check Server Configuration:

If you’re comfortable with server administration, check your server’s configuration for any issues that might be causing 404 errors.

• .htaccess File: Ensure your .htaccess file has the correct rewrite rules for your permalink structure.
• Caching Settings: Review your server’s caching settings to ensure they’re not interfering with WordPress’s ability to serve pages correctly.

8. Contact Your Hosting Provider:

If you’ve exhausted all troubleshooting steps and are still experiencing 404 errors, contact your hosting provider’s support team for assistance. They can help diagnose and resolve server-side issues that might be affecting your website.

How to Prevent repeated 404 Error in WordPress?

• Use a Redirection Plugin: A redirection plugin can help you easily create redirects for deleted or moved content, preventing 404 errors.
• Regularly Check for Broken Links: Periodically scan your website for broken links and update or remove them as needed.
• Be Careful When Deleting or Moving Content: Before deleting or moving content, ensure you have a backup and consider setting up redirects to prevent 404 errors.
• Choose a Reliable Hosting Provider: A reliable hosting provider with a stable server environment can minimize the occurrence of 404 errors caused by server-side issues.

Choose Reliable WordPress Hosting

MyGlobalHost offers optimized WordPress hosting solutions with expert support to help you troubleshoot and resolve 404 errors. Our reliable servers and knowledgeable support team ensure a smooth and hassle-free WordPress experience. Choose MyGlobalHost for a stable and secure WordPress hosting environment.