How to Fix the WordPress 404 Error: Simple Solutions Explained

Encountering a "404 Error – Page Not Found" on your WordPress website can be frustrating. This error indicates that the page you're trying to access doesn't exist or has been moved. Fortunately, fixing this issue is often straightforward.

What Is a 404 Error?

A 404 error occurs when a user tries to access a page that doesn't exist on your website. This can happen for several reasons, such as:

• The page was deleted or moved.
• The URL was typed incorrectly.
• There's a problem with your website's permalink structure.

Understanding the cause of the error is the first step in fixing it.

Common Causes of the 404 Error in WordPress

Several factors can lead to a 404 error on your WordPress site:

1. Incorrect Permalink Settings
 WordPress uses  a permalink structure to create URLs for your posts and pages. If these settings are incorrect or have been changed, it can result in 404 errors.

2. Plugin or Theme Conflicts
Sometimes, plugins or themes can interfere with your site's functionality, causing 404 errors. This is especially true if you've recently installed or updated a plugin or theme.

3. .htaccess File Issues
The .htaccess file controls how URLs are handled on your server. If this file becomes corrupted or misconfigured, it can lead to 404 errors.

4. Broken Links
If you've moved or deleted pages without setting up proper redirects, visitors may encounter 404 errors when trying to access those pages.

How to Fix the 404 Error in WordPress

1. Reset Your Permalink Settings
One of the easiest ways to fix a 404 error is to reset your permalink settings:

• Log in to your WordPress dashboard.
• Navigate to Settings > Permalinks.
• Without making any changes, click the Save Changes button.

This action refreshes your permalink structure and can resolve many 404 errors.

2. Check for Plugin or Theme Conflicts
To determine if a plugin or theme is causing the issue:

• Deactivate all your plugins.
• Check if the 404 error persists.
• If the error is gone, reactivate plugins one by one to identify the culprit.
• If the issue is theme-related, try switching to a default WordPress theme like Twenty Twenty-One.

3. Restore or Update the .htaccess File
If resetting permalinks didn't help, your .htaccess file might be the problem:

• Access your website's root directory via FTP or File Manager.
• Locate the .htaccess file and rename it to .htaccess_old.
• Go to Settings > Permalinks in your dashboard and click Save Changes to generate a new .htaccess file.

This process can resolve issues caused by a corrupted .htaccess file.

4. Set Up 301 Redirects
If you've moved or deleted pages, setting up 301 redirects ensures visitors are directed to the correct page instead of encountering a 404 error. You can use plugins like Redirection to manage these redirects easily.

5. Fix Broken Links
Broken links can also lead to 404 errors. Use tools like Broken Link Checker to identify and fix any broken links on your site.

Preventing Future 404 Errors

To minimize the occurrence of 404 errors in the future:

• Regularly update your plugins and themes.
• Always set up redirects when moving or deleting pages.
• Monitor your site for broken links and fix them promptly.

The Importance of WordPress Website Maintenance

Regular maintenance is crucial to keep your  WordPress site  running smoothly. This includes:

• Updating WordPress core, themes, and plugins.
• Backing up your website regularly.
• Monitoring site performance and security.

Neglecting maintenance can lead to issues like 404 errors, slow loading times, and security vulnerabilities.

Why Choose SEO Raft for Your WordPress Needs?

If you're looking to enhance your WordPress site's performance and SEO, consider partnering with SEO Raft. As a  leading WordPress SEO agency,   SEO Raft  offers:

•  WordPress SEO Services:  Tailored strategies to improve your site's visibility on search engines.
• WordPress Website Design Services: Custom designs that align with your brand and engage your audience.
• WordPress Website Maintenance: Ongoing support to keep your site updated and secure.

With SEO Raft's expertise, you can ensure your WordPress website not only functions properly but also ranks well in search engine results.