Ever clicked on a link and ended up staring at that dreaded “404 Error – Page Not Found” screen? Yep, it’s the web equivalent of a dead-end sign on a road trip. For WordPress site owners, 404 errors can be especially frustrating, not only do they ruin the user experience, but they also send search engines into a bit of a panic (and you really don’t want to mess with Google’s mood).
Luckily, fixing 404 errors doesn’t require advanced coding skills or hours of troubleshooting. In this guide, we’ll walk through simple, effective ways to banish those pesky errors and get your visitors back on the right path, all while keeping your sanity (and SEO) intact.
Key Takeaways
➡ Frequent 404 errors can negatively impact both user experience and SEO rankings, making it essential to fix them promptly.
➡ These tools help identify 404 errors on your site, making it easier to locate and address broken links.
➡ Refresh permalinks or set up redirects to guide users to the correct pages, avoiding 404 errors.
➡ Regularly check URLs, use redirects when changing page URLs, and maintain an organized permalink structure to reduce the likelihood of future 404 errors.
What is 404 Error?
A 404 error is what pops up when someone tries to visit a page that doesn’t exist, think of it as trying to call someone who changed their number without telling you. This can happen if a page is deleted, a link has a typo, or URLs are updated without proper redirects. On WordPress, it often appears as a “Page Not Found” message, leaving visitors stuck at a dead-end.
Fixing 404 errors on WordPress is critical, not just for your visitors’ experience but also for your SEO. If your WordPress 404 page URL keeps showing up, search engines might view your site as less reliable, which can contribute to lower rankings. So, tackling these errors helps keep both your users and search engines happy.
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Common Causes of 404 Errors on WordPress:
| Cause | Description |
| Deleted or Moved Pages/Posts | When pages or posts are deleted or moved without updating the links, visitors encounter a WordPress 404 error. Make sure to redirect old URLs to avoid this. |
| Incorrect URL Structure | Typos in URLs or manually entering an incorrect structure can lead to the WordPress 404 not found page. Double-checking URLs or using a permalink reset often resolves this. |
| Plugin Conflicts | Certain plugins, especially SEO or redirection tools, can interfere with links, causing broken URLs. Disabling suspicious plugins temporarily can help fix 404 errors on WordPress. |
| Changes in Permalink Settings | Adjusting permalink settings without updating all links can lead to site-wide 404 errors. If you update permalinks, use redirection tools to keep your pages accessible. |
| Incorrectly Configured .htaccess | A misconfigured or missing .htaccess file can create errors in URL handling, resulting in WordPress 404 error messages. Check and restore a correct .htaccess file to help resolve the issue. |
| Theme or Server Issues | Some WordPress themes or hosting servers may not fully support custom URLs or may have server settings that restrict certain URL structures, triggering 404 errors across your site. |
How to Identify 404 Errors on Your WordPress Site?
404 errors can be frustrating, especially when they lead visitors to a dead-end on your website. The good news is that there are a few effective ways to find and fix these errors before they impact your site’s SEO or user experience. Let’s look at the best methods to locate those elusive WordPress 404 not found pages.
Top 2 Methods to Find Out 404 Not Found Pages:
Using the right tools makes it easy to identify and fix 404 errors on WordPress. Here are the top two methods to keep track of broken links and missing pages on your website:
Google Search Console:
Google Search Console is a free and essential tool for monitoring your website’s health. It not only helps track performance but also makes it simple to find WordPress 404 page URLs. Here’s how to use it:
Step 1: Sign in to Google Search Console and select your website.
Step 2: On left side you can see “Pages” tab, click to that.
Step 3: Now under “Why pages aren’t indexed” you can see “Not Found (404)” tab, click to that.
Step 4: Here you can find a list of all the broken or 404 pages on your website.
Using Google Search Console is a quick and effective way to locate 404 errors, helping you maintain a well-functioning, SEO-friendly website.
Screaming Frog:
Screaming Frog is a popular tool for website audits, known for scanning all your website’s URLs to catch any issues. It’s particularly useful for locating WordPress 404 not found pages. Here’s how to use it:
Step 1: Download and install Screaming Frog (the free version allows up to 500 URLs).
Step 2: Enter your website URL and start the scan.
Step 3: Once it’s done, filter for Response Code 404 under the “Response Codes” tab to see all pages that return a 404 error.
Screaming Frog provides a comprehensive look at your site’s structure and broken links, making it a powerful tool to find and fix 404 errors on WordPress efficiently.
Fixing 404 Errors on WordPress:
When you encounter 404 errors, one of the first things you should check is your permalinks. Permalinks are the URL structure of your pages and posts. If they get messed up, it can cause WordPress 404 not found errors. Here’s how to fix them:
Method 1 – Updating Permalinks:
Updating your permalinks can fix many 404 errors, especially if the URL structure has changed or is no longer valid. Here’s how you can do it in just a few simple steps:
- Go to your WordPress Dashboard.
- Click on Settings > Permalinks.
- Without changing anything, just click the Save Changes button.
Why does this work? When you click “Save Changes,” WordPress refreshes your URL settings and fixes any issues in the permalink structure. This simple trick often solves many WordPress 404 error problems caused by broken links.
It’s a quick and easy fix that can save you a lot of time and hassle
Method 2 – Redirecting Broken URLs:
Sometimes, a page or post may be moved or deleted, but you still want visitors to land on the right place instead of hitting a WordPress 404 page URL. This is where redirects come in. A redirect automatically sends users from one URL to another, so you can guide them to relevant content without showing them an error page. Here’s how you can set up redirects:
- Install a Redirection Plugin
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- Go to your WordPress dashboard.
- Click on Plugins > Add New.
- Search for Redirection, install, and activate the plugin.
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- Set Up a Redirect
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- Once the plugin is activated, go to Tools > Redirection.
- You’ll see an option to add a Source URL (the broken link) and a Target URL (where you want users to go instead).
- Simply enter the URLs and click Add Redirect.
This method helps you avoid the dreaded WordPress 404 not found error by sending users directly to new or relevant content. It’s an effective way to maintain a smooth experience for both visitors and search engines, without losing any SEO value.
Method 3 – Restoring or Replacing Deleted Content:
If you’ve deleted a page or post that’s now causing a WordPress 404 error, one way to fix it is by restoring or replacing the deleted content. This is particularly helpful if the page still serves value to your visitors or is important for SEO. Here’s how to handle it:
- Restore the Deleted Content
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- If you accidentally deleted a page or post, you can restore it from the WordPress Trash.
- Go to Pages or Posts in your WordPress dashboard, click on Trash, find the deleted page, and click Restore. This will bring the page back, and the 404 error will be fixed.
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- Replace the Content
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- If the content is no longer relevant or needed, you can create a new page that provides similar value. Be sure to update internal links to point to the new content.
- For example, if you had a “Product Page” that’s no longer available, you could create a “Product Alternatives” page and link to that.
Restoring or replacing deleted content helps keep your website’s structure intact and ensures that visitors don’t hit a WordPress 404 page URL. It’s an easy way to resolve errors while maintaining good user experience and SEO practices.
Method 4 – Disabling Plugins and Themes (Troubleshooting):
Sometimes, a WordPress 404 error happens due to conflicts with plugins or themes, especially if they’ve recently been updated or installed. In such cases, disabling them temporarily can help you figure out if one of them is causing the issue. Here’s how to troubleshoot:
- Disable Plugins One by One
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- Go to Plugins in your WordPress dashboard.
- Deactivate each plugin one by one, and check if the 404 error is resolved after disabling each one.
- If the error disappears after deactivating a specific plugin, that plugin is likely causing the issue. You can either update it, contact the plugin developer, or look for an alternative.
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- Switch to a Default Theme
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- Sometimes, your theme can cause URL issues. To check if the theme is the culprit, go to Appearance > Themes and activate one of the default WordPress themes (like Twenty Twenty-Three).
- If switching the theme resolves the issue, the problem likely lies with your theme. You may need to update it or consult the theme’s support.
Disabling plugins and switching themes are quick troubleshooting steps that can help you identify the cause of a WordPress 404 not found error. Once you pinpoint the problem, you can make the necessary adjustments to prevent it from happening again.
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How to prevent 404 pages?
Preventing 404 pages is all about staying proactive and making sure your website’s structure remains clean and well-maintained. Here are some beginner-friendly tips to help you avoid WordPress 404 not found errors:
Double-Check Your URLs Before Publishing: Always review URLs before you publish new pages or posts. A simple typo can lead to broken links, causing 404 errors. If you’re copying URLs, make sure the entire link is correct.
Use Redirects When Changing URLS: If you need to change the URL of a page or post, make sure to set up a 301 redirect to the new URL. This will automatically send visitors from the old link to the new one, preventing WordPress 404 page URL errors. To do this, you can use a plugin like “Redirection” to easily manage redirects.
Regularly Update Your Permalink Structure: As your site grows, it’s important to maintain a clear and organized permalink structure. Periodically go to Settings > Permalinks in your WordPress dashboard to review and ensure everything is set up properly. This will help you avoid 404 errors caused by broken permalink structures.
Delete or Redirect Broken Links: Regularly check for broken links on your website. You can use tools like Broken Link Checker or Google Search Console to identify and fix these links. If you find that a page is deleted, make sure you either restore it or redirect it to a relevant page to prevent WordPress 404 not found errors.
Use a Custom 404 Page: While you can’t prevent every 404 error, having a user-friendly custom 404 page helps guide visitors back to useful parts of your website. It can display links to popular posts, your homepage, or a search bar, so users don’t feel lost.
By following these tips, you can significantly reduce the chances of encountering 404 errors. But if they do pop up, you’ll know how to fix 404 errors on WordPress with ease.
Also Read: Best Website Design Trends to Follow in 2024
Conclusion:
Fixing 404 errors on WordPress is essential not only for enhancing user experience but also for maintaining your site’s SEO health. Whether it’s updating permalinks, setting up redirects, or restoring deleted content, there are several straightforward ways to ensure that your visitors are always guided to the right place, avoiding frustrating WordPress 404 not found messages. By staying proactive and regularly checking for issues like broken links or incorrect URL structures, you can significantly reduce the occurrence of WordPress 404 page URL errors.
FAQs on Fixing 404 Errors in WordPress
Why do I keep getting 404 errors even after updating my permalinks?
This could be due to a caching issue, server configuration, or missing redirects. Try clearing your cache and checking the .htaccess file.
Is it okay to ignore 404 errors for deleted content?
Ignoring 404 errors for deleted content is not ideal, as it can affect user experience and SEO. Always redirect or restore important deleted pages.
How do I create a 301 redirect without a plugin?
You can create a 301 redirect by adding a line of code in your .htaccess file: Redirect 301 /old-page-url https://www.yoursite.com/new-page-url
Will 404 errors hurt my SEO ranking?
Yes, too many 404 errors can negatively affect your SEO ranking by creating a poor user experience and signaling to search engines that your site is not well-maintained.
