How to Fix “404 Page Not Found” Errors in WordPress (Step-by-Step Guide)

Table of Contents

• What Is a WordPress 404 Error?
• Different Types of 404 Not Found Errors
• What Causes the WordPress 404 Error?
• How Does the 404 Error Affect Your Website SEO?
• How to Fix 404 Not Found Error in WordPress (Step-by-Step Guide)
• Best Ways to Prevent Future WordPress 404 Errors
• Conclusion

What Is a WordPress 404 Error?

A WordPress 404 error happens when someone visits a page that doesn’t exist. The website itself is still running, but that one page can’t be found. It’s like opening a door and seeing an empty room. There should be something there — but it’s gone.

This error usually appears with messages like “404 Not Found” or “Page Not Found.” Different browsers show it in different ways. Chrome might say, “404. That’s an error.” Firefox may say, “Hmm. We’re having trouble finding that site.” No matter how it looks, the meaning is the same — the page isn’t there.

There are a few common reasons why this happens. Sometimes, a page was removed or moved, and no one set up a redirect. Other times, the URL was typed wrong. It could also happen after changing permalink settings in WordPress. Even a small mistake in a plugin or theme can cause it. On some websites, the error comes from a missing .htaccess file or a broken link after migration.

The 404 error doesn’t mean your whole site is broken. But it does mean that users might leave confused or disappointed. And that matters. A single broken link can affect how people see your site. It can also hurt your SEO if search engines keep finding missing pages.

Different Types of 404 Not Found Errors

1. Standard 404 Error

A standard 404 occurs when a page cannot be found. It usually results from a broken or outdated link. The server responds with a proper 404 status. This is the most common error type. It clearly tells browsers and search engines the content is no longer available.

2. Soft 404 Error

A soft 404 looks like a missing page but isn’t labeled correctly. The page might say “not found” but returns a “200 OK” status. This confuses search engines and affects indexing. It often happens with thin or empty content that should return a proper 404 instead.

3. Custom 404 Error Page

Custom 404 pages are designed to improve user experience. They often include branding, navigation menus, or a search bar. These pages still return a 404 status but guide users helpfully. It prevents frustration and keeps visitors engaged, even when a page is missing or broken.

4. Hidden or Restricted 404

This type appears when a page exists but is blocked or restricted. It could be due to file permissions, login requirements, or IP-based rules. The server returns a 404 to hide the page’s presence. It protects private content from unauthorized users and bots.

5. Broken Internal Link

An internal link points to a page that was moved or deleted. Visitors clicking the link see a 404 error. This is a common issue in blogs and content-heavy sites. Internal linking should be checked regularly to prevent broken paths and lost traffic.

6. Broken External Link

This error happens when other websites link to a page on your site that no longer exists. You don’t control the source, but the traffic hits a dead end. Monitoring these helps reduce bounce rates and improve SEO by setting up redirects or updating paths.

7. Client-Side 404

Triggered by a mistake on the user’s end. The server is fine, but the visitor entered a wrong URL, used a broken bookmark, or had a corrupted browser cache. It’s not a website issue, but still shows the 404. Educating users or redirecting helps reduce this.

8. Server-Side 404

The server itself fails to locate or serve the requested content. This could be due to misconfigured files, missing rewrite rules, or server cache conflicts. Even correct URLs show 404 errors. Fixing it may require changes to .htaccess or server settings in Apache or Nginx.

 What Causes the WordPress 404 Error?

1. Broken Permalinks After Structure Change

A common cause is a wordpress 404 error after permalink change. When you update the permalink settings, WordPress may not refresh rewrite rules. This breaks URLs for posts and pages. Users see a wordpress 404 not found error instead of the expected content. Fix this by saving permalinks again in Settings → Permalinks to regenerate the .htaccess file and URL structure.

2. Missing or Corrupted .htaccess File

WordPress uses the .htaccess file to handle permalinks and redirects. If this file is deleted or damaged, you may see a wordpress 404 not found error due to .htaccess file. It affects all post and page links. Restore the default .htaccess content or re-save permalinks to fix this server-level issue instantly.

3. Incorrectly Typed or Outdated URLs

Typing the wrong URL can trigger a wordpress 404 error due to incorrect URL. Even one wrong letter can cause WordPress to fail in locating the content. This also happens with outdated bookmarks or shared links. Double-checking URL slugs and menu paths helps avoid these simple but frustrating errors.

4. Deleted or Renamed Pages Without Redirects

When you delete or rename a page or post, and forget to redirect, users will see a wordpress 404 page not found due to page deletion. These broken links confuse users and search engines. Set up 301 redirects using a plugin like Redirection to avoid losing traffic and SEO value.

5. Plugin Conflicts Affecting Rewrite Rules

A poorly coded plugin may break how WordPress processes URLs. This leads to a wordpress 404 error due to plugin conflict. Custom post types or archives may not load properly. You can fix this by deactivating all plugins and testing each one to find the conflict, then updating or replacing it.

6. Theme Issues with Template Routing

Some themes fail to route URLs correctly, especially for custom layouts. This causes a wordpress 404 error due to theme issue. The error often appears on single post pages or archives. Test by switching to a default theme like Twenty Twenty-Four. If the issue disappears, the theme is the problem.

7. Errors After Migrating Website

Moving a site to a new host or domain often results in a wordpress 404 error after migration. Permalinks may stop working or media paths may break. The issue is common when URLs aren’t updated in the database. Use tools like Better Search Replace to update old paths and fix this.

8. Homepage Shows 404 Error

In rare cases, your homepage may show a wordpress 404 error homepage while other pages work. This usually happens due to a misconfigured static front page or a caching issue. Go to Reading Settings and check your homepage setting. Clear cache from browser, plugin, or CDN to resolve it.

9. Broken Internal or External Links

Links pointing to deleted or non-existent content will return 404 errors. These are known as wordpress 404 error due to broken links. Internal ones can be fixed manually. For external links, set up a custom 404 page or redirection to retain traffic and improve the visitor experience.

10. Problems After Changing Domain

If you switch domains without updating internal links, you’ll see a wordpress 404 error due to domain change. Hardcoded URLs still point to the old site. This breaks navigation and forms. Use a database search-replace tool to update old URLs and avoid redirect loops or broken content links.

11. SSL Redirection Not Set Properly

Improper HTTPS setup causes a wordpress 404 error due to SSL redirect. Your site may load on HTTP but return 404s on HTTPS. Always install SSL correctly. Use plugins like Really Simple SSL to force secure URLs. Also, update your WordPress and site URLs to use “https”.

12. Server-Level Configuration Issues

Incorrect rewrite rules or missing modules on Apache or Nginx can trigger a wordpress 404 not found nginx or Apache error. On Nginx, you must add a try_files rule. On Apache, check your .htaccess. Server-level configuration problems affect routing and need attention from your hosting provider or developer.

13. Database Entry or Status Issues

Sometimes, the post exists in the backend but can’t be found. This happens due to draft status or corrupted entries. It causes a wordpress post returns 404 even though the content is saved. Check the database or post status in the editor. Set it to “Publish” to resolve it.

14. Caching Plugin Issues

Caching plugins may serve outdated or missing content. If they store broken routes, you’ll see a wordpress 404 error due to caching plugin. Clear the cache from your plugin and CDN. You may also need to disable the caching temporarily to identify the root cause and prevent errors.

15. Permalink Settings Misconfiguration

Improper permalink settings can stop WordPress from matching URLs with pages. A misconfigured setup leads to a wordpress 404 error due to permalink settings. Check for unsupported formats or slugs. Re-saving the settings refreshes WordPress’s URL rewriting rules and usually resolves this issue without extra tools.

How Does the 404 Error Affect Your Website SEO?

1. Loss of Valuable Backlinks

When a page with inbound links returns a 404 error, the link equity from those backlinks is lost. This diminishes the authority of your site, as search engines can’t transfer the value from those links to other pages. Implementing 301 redirects from the broken page to a relevant, active page helps preserve this link equity.

2. Increased Bounce Rates

Users encountering 404 errors may leave your site immediately, increasing the bounce rate. High bounce rates signal to search engines that your site may not provide valuable content, potentially lowering your rankings. Ensuring all internal links are functional and directing users to relevant content can mitigate this issue.

3. Wasted Crawl Budget

Search engines allocate a specific crawl budget to each site. If crawlers spend time on 404 pages, they may overlook important pages, delaying their indexing. Regularly auditing your site and fixing broken links ensures efficient use of the crawl budget.

4. Negative User Experience

Frequent 404 errors can frustrate users, leading to a poor experience. This dissatisfaction may result in users avoiding your site in the future. Maintaining a seamless navigation experience by promptly addressing broken links enhances user satisfaction and retention.

5. Potential Deindexing of Pages

Persistent 404 errors may lead search engines to deindex the affected pages. This removal from search results reduces your site’s visibility and organic traffic. Monitoring your site’s health and resolving 404 errors promptly helps maintain your pages in search indexes.

6. Misinterpretation by Search Engines

Soft 404 errors occur when a non-existent page returns a 200 OK status. Search engines may index these pages, mistaking them for valid content, which can dilute your site’s relevance. Ensuring that missing pages return the correct 404 status code prevents this confusion.

7. Impact on Internal Linking Structure

Broken internal links leading to 404 errors disrupt the flow of link equity within your site. This disruption can hinder the ranking potential of other pages. Regularly auditing and updating internal links maintains a strong site architecture and supports SEO efforts.

8. Reduced Trust and Credibility

A site riddled with 404 errors may appear neglected, reducing user trust. This perception can deter users from engaging with your content or services. Maintaining a well-functioning site with minimal errors fosters credibility and encourages user interaction.

9. Challenges in Site Migration

During site migrations, improper handling of URLs can lead to numerous 404 errors. This mishandling can result in significant traffic and ranking losses. Implementing proper redirects and updating internal links during migration preserves SEO value.

10. Hindrance to Content Discoverability

If important pages return 404 errors, search engines can’t access and index them. This inaccessibility limits your content’s reach and potential traffic. Regularly monitoring your site’s health ensures that valuable content remains discoverable.

How to Fix 404 Not Found Error in WordPress (Step-by-Step Guide)

If your WordPress website is showing “404 Not Found” errors, don’t worry. This issue is common and can be fixed easily if you follow the right steps. Below is a detailed, technical, yet beginner-friendly guide that explains every solution in a clear and step-by-step format.

1. Reset Your Permalink Settings

Permalinks are the URLs for your WordPress posts and pages. If your homepage works but inner pages return a 404 error, your permalink settings might be corrupted.

Steps to fix:

• Go to your WordPress Dashboard.
• Navigate to Settings > Permalinks.
• Without changing anything, click Save Changes.
• This action refreshes the rewrite rules and often fixes the issue.

If this doesn’t work:

• Temporarily switch the permalink structure to Plain, then click Save Changes.
• Switch back to your preferred permalink setting (e.g., Post name) and save again.

This often resolves issues caused by incorrect permalink configurations.

2. Repair or Replace the .htaccess File

The .htaccess file is a critical configuration file for WordPress. If it’s corrupted or missing, your permalinks might break, causing 404 errors.

Steps to fix:

• Access your site using FTP or File Manager from your hosting cPanel.
• Locate the .htaccess file in the root folder of your WordPress install.
• If it doesn’t exist, create a new file named .htaccess.
• Paste the following default WordPress rules into the file

• Save and re-upload the file.

This should restore the default permalink handling for your site.

3. Set Up 301 Redirects for Deleted or Changed URLs

If you’ve deleted or renamed a page or post and haven’t redirected the old URL, visitors will see a 404 error.

Option A: Using .htaccess

• Open your .htaccess file.
• Add this code (customize as needed):

Redirect 301 /oldpage https://yourdomain.com/newpage

Option B: Using Redirection Plugin

• Install and activate the Redirection plugin.
• Navigate to Tools > Redirection.
• Add a new redirection rule from the old URL to the new URL.

301 redirects ensure both search engines and users are sent to the correct location.

4. Deactivate All Plugins Temporarily

Some plugins interfere with the routing system of WordPress, especially caching or redirection plugins.

Steps to fix:

• Log in to your WordPress Dashboard.
• Go to Plugins > Installed Plugins.
• Select all plugins and choose Deactivate.
• Visit your site and check if the 404 error is gone.

If yes:

• Reactivate plugins one by one.
• After each activation, check the site.
• Identify the plugin causing the issue and remove or replace it.

5. Switch to a Default WordPress Theme

Themes can sometimes cause 404 errors due to improper template files or routing conflicts.

Steps to fix:

• Go to Appearance > Themes.
• Activate a default theme like Twenty Twenty-Four.
• Check if the issue persists.

If the issue resolves, the error was caused by your previous theme.

6. Update Site URL in the Database

Incorrect site URLs in the database can result in incorrect routing and 404 errors.

Steps to fix:

• Log into your hosting panel and open phpMyAdmin.
• Find the correct database and go to the wp_options table.
• Update the siteurl and home fields with your correct domain name.

For example, change http://localhost/blog to https://yourdomain.com.

7. Enable Rewrite Module on Localhost (WAMP/XAMPP)

If you’re running WordPress on a local server and see 404 errors, the mod_rewrite module might be disabled.

Steps to fix (on WAMP):

• Click the WAMP icon in your taskbar.
• Go to Apache > Apache modules.
• Enable rewrite_module.
• Restart the server.

This enables pretty permalinks for local development.

8. Edit Apache Configuration File

If enabling mod_rewrite didn’t work, check your Apache config.

Steps to fix:

• Go to your local server folder (e.g., C:\wamp64\bin\apache\apache2.x.x\conf).
• Open httpd.conf.
• Find this line:

#LoadModule rewrite_module modules/mod_rewrite.so

• Remove the # to uncomment it.
• Save and restart Apache.

This ensures the rewrite engine is fully enabled.

9. Restore Deleted Content from Trash

Deleted posts or pages will return a 404 error if accessed.

Steps to fix:

• In WordPress Dashboard, go to Posts > All Posts or Pages > All Pages.
• Click on Trash.
• Hover over the item and click Restore.

This reinstates the post/page and resolves the 404 error.

10. Create a Custom 404 Page

If you can’t eliminate 404 errors completely, a custom 404 page helps.

Steps to set up:

• Use a theme builder or edit 404.php in your theme.
• Add useful links like homepage, categories, search bar, etc.
• Keep the design aligned with your site’s branding.

This reduces bounce rate and helps users stay engaged.

11. Use Plugins to Monitor and Fix Broken Links

Broken links result in 404 errors. Use plugins to monitor them.

Steps to fix:

• Install RankMath SEO or Broken Link Checker.
• Enable 404 Monitor feature.
• Regularly scan your site.
• Fix or redirect broken URLs listed.

This improves SEO and provides a seamless user experience

Best Ways to Prevent Future WordPress 404 Errors

WordPress 404 errors can disrupt user experience and affect your SEO. Preventing them early is much better than fixing them later. Below are the most effective and technically sound ways to stop them from happening in the first place:

1. Keep Permalinks Updated

WordPress uses permalinks to create readable and SEO-friendly URLs. If these links break, your pages can throw 404 errors. To avoid this, go to Settings > Permalinks and simply click Save Changes—even if you don’t make edits. This refreshes the link structure. Also, stick to clean formats like /%postname%/ to reduce complications when renaming or moving pages.

2. Monitor and Remove Broken Links

Over time, links can break due to deleted pages or changed URLs. Use tools like Broken Link Checker, Ahrefs, or Screaming Frog to scan for them. Once found, update or remove the bad links. This applies to both internal and external links. Check your site monthly to stay error-free and maintain a healthy user experience.

3. Set Up 301 Redirects

If you must change a URL or delete a page, always add a 301 redirect. This tells browsers and search engines where to go instead. Use plugins like Redirection or manually edit the .htaccess file. 301 redirects are permanent and preserve SEO value. Avoid redirect chains—one redirect is enough to do the job without slowing things down.

4. Maintain Your .htaccess File

The .htaccess file is crucial in how your site handles URLs. Errors here can cause all links to fail. Always back it up before editing. If your permalinks break, reset .htaccess to the default WordPress rules. Use only trusted code and avoid unnecessary changes. For advanced changes, let a developer manage it to avoid critical failures.

5. Use a Custom 404 Page

A blank 404 page frustrates users. Instead, create a custom one with useful elements like a search box, homepage link, and contact info. Tools like 404page make this easy. While this won’t fix broken URLs, it gives users direction and keeps them engaged with your site. It’s a small UX upgrade with big impact on retention.

6. Avoid Changing URLs Frequently

Changing URLs without redirection is a top reason for future 404 errors. Plan your URL structure from the start. Use short, clear slugs and avoid including dates or categories that may change. If you must edit a slug, add a 301 redirect immediately. This keeps existing links functional and helps preserve your site’s authority and ranking.

7. Enable Monitoring Tools

You can’t fix what you don’t know is broken. Use tools like Google Search Console to get alerts when 404 errors happen. Also monitor 404 hits using plugins or server log files. Fix reported issues as soon as possible. Proactive monitoring ensures that broken pages are caught early—before they impact users or search rankings.

Conclusion

A WordPress 404 error means a page can’t be found—often caused by broken permalinks, missing .htaccess, deleted pages, or plugin/theme conflicts. While common, it can hurt SEO and user experience if not fixed. To resolve it, reset your permalinks, restore or update your .htaccess file, and set up proper 301 redirects for moved or deleted URLs. Also, check for plugin issues and monitor broken links using tools like Google Search Console. Fixing these issues ensures your site remains accessible, performs well, and keeps both users and search engines on the right path.