Running into a 404 error on your WordPress website or blog? That frustrating “Page Not Found” message can not only be annoying for you but can also disrupt your visitors’ experience. The good news is, fixing this error is usually quick and easy. In this guide, we’ll walk you through two fast solutions to resolve the 404 error on your site within minutes.
Let’s fix that 404 error and get your website back on track!
Solution 1: Reset Your WordPress Permalinks
One of the most common reasons for a 404 error on WordPress is an issue with your permalinks. Permalinks determine how your URLs are structured, and when they get misconfigured, your links can break, leading to 404 errors. Luckily, fixing permalinks is super simple and can be done right from your WordPress dashboard.
Steps to Reset WordPress Permalinks:
- Log into your WordPress admin dashboard using your credentials.
- In the left-hand menu, go to Settings > Permalinks.
- Without changing any settings, scroll down and click the Save Changes button.
That’s it! By saving your permalink settings, WordPress will automatically refresh your URL structure, resolving the 404 error in most cases.
Why This Solution Works?
Permalinks control the URLs for all your WordPress posts and pages. If they become corrupted, your site can display 404 errors when users try to visit a page. Resetting the permalinks essentially rewrites the URL structure, ensuring your visitors can access the correct content again.
Solution 2: Fix the .htaccess File
If resetting your permalinks doesn’t work, the issue may be with your .htaccess file. This file manages how your server handles URLs and redirects. Any misconfiguration in the .htaccess file can lead to 404 errors on your website.
Steps to fix the .htaccess file:
- Access your hosting control panel (such as cPanel, often provided by hosts like Hostingest) or use an FTP client like FileZilla.
- Navigate to the root folder of your WordPress installation, usually named public_html or www.
- Look for the .htaccess file. If you don’t see it, make sure to enable the option to show hidden files in your FTP client or cPanel.
- Open the .htaccess file for editing.
- Replace the contents of the file with the default WordPress .htaccess code below:
# BEGIN WordPress
<IfModule mod_rewrite.c>
RewriteEngine On
RewriteBase /
RewriteRule ^index\.php$ – [L]
RewriteCond %{REQUEST_FILENAME} !-f
RewriteCond %{REQUEST_FILENAME} !-d
RewriteRule . /index.php [L]
</IfModule>
# END WordPress
- Save the file and upload it back to your server.
Why This Solution Works:
The .htaccess file is crucial in directing your website’s URLs. If it becomes corrupted or misconfigured, it can stop pages from loading correctly, causing 404 errors. By replacing the file with the default WordPress code, you restore the proper URL rules, fixing the error.
Conclusion
Solving the WordPress 404 error typically comes down to two simple fixes: resetting your permalinks or repairing the .htaccess file. These quick solutions can help you resolve broken links and restore your website’s functionality in no time.
At Hostingest, we know how vital it is to keep your WordPress website running smoothly. Our hosting services are designed to support you with reliable performance and easy-to-use tools like cPanel to fix common WordPress issues such as 404 errors. If you need further assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out to our expert support team.