4 Ways To Fix The 404 WordPress Error

Encountered a 404 WordPress error? We understand what you’re going through. 

If your website’s visitors are consistently landing on a 404 page, it can be both frustrating and detrimental to your success. Such errors not only impede a seamless user experience but can also impact your website’s search engine rankings. Whether you are an administrator seeking to rectify these hiccups, or a user curious about their origins, understanding and addressing 404 errors is vital.

Fortunately, solutions are within reach. In this article, we’ll go over 4 different ways to solve the problem. 

TL;DR: To fix a WordPress 404 error, check and update your permalinks settings. However, if the error appeared suddenly, restoring your website from a recent backup could quickly recover it. 

What is the 404 WordPress Error?

The 404 error means “Not Found” on a web page. It happens when someone tries to access content that’s not available or has been deleted. This error can hurt your user’s experience and harm your site’s credibility.

What triggers the error 404 in WordPress?

• Deleted or moved pages: If a page is removed or relocated without updating the links, users will see a 404 error.

• Changes in permalink structure: If you change your permalink settings, existing links may break and cause 404 errors.
• Incorrect URL entry: Sometimes, users mistype URLs, which leads to requests for pages that don’t exist.
• Expired content: When pages are no longer published or are temporarily removed, they can trigger a 404 error.
• Server issues: Problems with server configuration or file corruption can also result in 404 errors.
• Expired or non-existent post URLs: This usually happens with drafts or scheduled posts that are not published.

How to fix the 404 WordPress error?

Fixing a WordPress 404 error is crucial to maintain a smooth user experience. Without fixing it, visitors may leave your site disappointed. Thankfully, solving this issue is often quite simple. You don’t need to be a tech expert. We’ll guide you through straightforward steps to address common causes of 404 errors. 

1. Check and update permalinks

Permalinks are the permanent URLs to your individual pages and posts. They are essential for WordPress sites, as they affect how links are structured.

Sometimes, the WordPress 404 errors occur when the permalink structure is not properly set or gets changed accidentally. Refreshing permalinks can fix broken links that lead to 404 errors.

1. Log into your WordPress dashboard.
2. Go to Settings in the sidebar.
3. Click on Permalinks.
4. Without making changes, click Save Changes.

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

2. Check for broken links

Broken links are links that lead to pages that do not exist, resulting in 404 errors. Finding and fixing broken links helps ensure that users can access all parts of your website smoothly. You can use an seo plugin to help you out. In this section, we’re going to talk about how to use RankMath for it.

1. Install a plugin like RankMath from the WordPress plugin repository.
2. Activate the plugin.
3. Click RankMath SEO in your side panel.
4. Click on 404 Monitor.

5. Review the list of broken links provided by the plugin.
6. Update or remove the links as needed to fix the issues.
7. Using plugins saves time and makes it easy to keep your site error-free.

3. Restore deleted pages

Sometimes pages are deleted by mistake or intentionally but need restoration afterward. Restoring deleted websites or pages that are causing 404 errors can solve accessibility issues for your visitors.

1. Go to your WordPress dashboard.
2. Click on Pages or Posts, depending on what you need to restore.
3. Click on Trash to see deleted items.

4. Find the page or post you want to restore.
5. Hover over it and click Restore.
6. This quick action can instantly bring back important content.

4. Custom 404 page

A custom 404 page is a personalized error page shown to visitors when they land on a non-existent URL. We usually recommend creating one when you are migrating to a different webhost or have some maintenance to do. It guides users with friendly messaging and useful links, helping them navigate back to other parts of your site. This improves user experience.

How to prevent the 404 error?

Preventing 404 errors keeps your website running smoothly and improves user satisfaction. By taking a few proactive steps, you can reduce the chances of these errors appearing. Here’s how to safeguard your site against 404 errors:

• Regularly update WordPress: Safely update WordPress core, themes, and plugins updated. This ensures compatibility and reduces the likelihood of errors.

Pro tip: Use a tool like UpdateLens to review an update before you push it on your live site. 

• Use redirects: Implement 301 redirects for any pages that are moved or renamed. This guides users and search engines to the new page locations.
• Monitor links: Regularly use tools to check for broken links. It’s easier to fix issues as they arise than let them accumulate.
• Site backups: Back up your site regularly. Backups allow you to quickly restore lost or deleted content and minimize disruptions.

Final thoughts

Dealing with 404 errors can seem daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. Using a reliable backup plugin like MalCare makes recovering deleted pages a breeze. Backups are essential for quickly restoring your site when things go wrong. Always make sure to back up your site before making major changes, such as migration or updates. Being prepared with a backup plan keeps your website safe, ensuring a smooth experience for your users.

FAQs

How to fix error 404 in WordPress? 

To fix a 404 error in WordPress, start by checking and updating your permalinks. Go to your Settings and then Permalinks, and click Save Changes. You can also use tools like the Broken Link Checker plugin to identify broken links. Additionally, ensure that any moved or renamed pages have 301 redirects set up.

Best tools for monitoring broken links? 

Some of the best tools for monitoring broken links in WordPress include the Broken Link Checker plugin and online services like Google Search Console. These tools help identify issues so you can fix them quickly.

Why do broken links occur? 

Broken links occur when a page is deleted, a URL is changed without a redirect, or if there’s a typo in the URL. They can also result from expired content or server issues that disrupt URL paths.

How do I fix a 404 error on my website? 

To fix a 404 error, check and update the permalinks settings. Restore any accidentally deleted pages from the Trash. Use redirects for moved content and update any broken links. Customizing your 404 page can also help guide users to functioning parts of your site.

Does the 404 error affect SEO? 

Yes, 404 errors can affect SEO. If search engines frequently encounter missing pages, it can hurt your site’s rankings. Regular maintenance and monitoring of links is crucial to prevent this impact.