How to Fix the 404 Error in WordPress (Step-by-Step Guide)

March 03, 2025

How to Fix the 404 Error in WordPress (Step-by-Step Guide)

How-to-Fix-the-404-Error-in-WordPress - by - Akaeid-Hasan

How to Repair the 404 Error in WordPress (Step-by-Step Guide)

What is a 404 Error & Why Does it Occur?

A 404 error occurs when a requested page by a user cannot be located on a website. In WordPress, the problem generally arises because of broken permalinks, deleted pages, or plugin issues. It can ruin user experience and SEO, so it should be repaired as early as possible.

Common WordPress 404 Causes

Wrong Permalinks – Permalink setting changes may break URLs.

Removed or Translocated Pages – If a page is removed without being redirected, the user will experience a 404 error.

Plugin or Theme Issues – Some plugins or themes might conflict with URL structures.

Buggy.htaccess File – A buggy or poorly configured.htaccess file may result in errors.

Server or Hosting Problems – Some server-side restrictions may bar access to certain pages.

Resolving 404 Errors in WordPress

1. Reset Permalinks

Go to WordPress Dashboard > Settings > Permalinks.

Select a different permalink structure (e.g., change to Plain and again to Post name).

Click on Save Changes.

Check whether the problem is resolved.

2. Restore or Replace the.htaccess File

Connect to your site using FTP or File Manager from your hosting control panel.

Locate the.htaccess file in the root folder.

If it does not exist, go ahead and create a new one and add the default WordPress.htaccess rules.

Save and re-upload the file.

3. Deactivate Conflicting Plugins and Themes

Deactivate all plugins from Plugins > Installed Plugins.

Check if the error has disappeared.

Activate plugins one by one to identify the culprit.

Switch to a default theme (for example, Twenty Twenty-Four) to determine if your theme is the cause.

4. Use a Redirection Plugin

If the 404 error is caused by moved or deleted content, use a redirection plugin to redirect users to a related page rather than an error.

5. Reach Out to Your Hosting Provider

If none of the above solve the issue, there could be a server issue. Reach out to your hosting provider for help.

How to Create a Custom 404 Page in WordPress

A custom 404 page enhances user experience by providing useful links or a search bar instead of a generic error message.

Use your theme’s settings or a page builder like Elementor to create a custom 404 page.

Add a friendly message like, “Oops! The page you’re looking for doesn’t exist.”

Include a search bar and navigation links.

Use humor or a creative design to make it engaging.

Conclusion

Fixing WordPress 404 errors is necessary for proper SEO and UX. You can resolve this error within no time and keep your site running smoothly by following these tips for troubleshooting.