How to Fix WordPress 404 Not Found Error

The 404 error can be frustrating for users and negatively impact their browsing experience. This error occurs when a browser can’t find a requested WordPress website or a specific resource on that site. It usually appears as a “404 Not Found” message. In this article, we’ll explore the common causes of this error and how to fix it, focusing on troubleshooting methods using the .htaccess file or Nginx configuration. By addressing 404 errors, you can ensure that all URLs on your WordPress website function correctly.

Common Causes of 404 Not Found Errors

There are several main causes of 404 errors in WordPress. Here are some common causes:

• Permalink Structure: Changing your WordPress permalink structure without updating existing links can result in 404 errors for pages and posts that were previously accessible.
• Plugin Conflicts: Some plugins may cause conflicts or errors that lead to the website displaying a 404 error.
• Missing Configuration: A missing or incorrect URL rewrite configuration in the .htaccess file (for Apache servers) or Nginx configuration (for Nginx servers) can also cause 404 errors.

Fixing WordPress 404 Errors on Apache Hosting

Step 1: Check the .htaccess file

The .htaccess file is a configuration file for the Apache web server (usually hosting). It is used to define directory-specific rules and directives. The .htaccess file is usually located in the root directory containing the website source code.

If the .htaccess file is missing or misconfigured, WordPress might add “index.php” to your URLs (e.g., https://youdomain.com/index.php/post-url/). This can lead to 404 errors since most internal links on your site typically don’t include “index.php”.

To fix the WordPress 404 error, check the .htaccess file in your website’s root directory to see if it contains the necessary URL rewrite code. If not, create a new .htaccess file and add the following code:

# 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

After saving the .htaccess file, clear your WordPress site’s cache (if applicable) and test the affected URLs. If the 404 error persists, continue troubleshooting with the following steps.

Step 2: Check the URL structure (Permalink)

Double-check the URL: Ensure you’ve entered it correctly. Look for any typos or invalid characters. If needed, edit the URL to correct any errors.

If you’ve changed your permalink structure, update existing links to reflect the new structure. You can do this by going to ‘Settings -> Permalinks‘ and clicking ‘Save Changes‘ in your WordPress dashboard. This may help resolve the 404 Not Found error you’re experiencing.

Fixing 404 URL Errors on Nginx Servers

If your website runs on an Nginx server, open the relevant domain configuration file and add the following code within the server {} block to enable URL rewriting for WordPress.

location / {
    try_files $uri $uri/ /index.php?$args;
}

Restart Nginx and verify that the URLs are now working correctly.

These steps can help you resolve 404 Not Found errors in WordPress, ensuring your site’s URLs and resources are accessible. If the error persists, check for conflicts with other plugins or themes, or review your server configuration. If you still need help, seek assistance from the WordPress community forums or your hosting provider.