How to Fix 404 Error in WordPress | Easy Steps to Follow

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How to Fix 404 Error in WordPress | Easy Steps to Follow with 1idea Digital

What Exactly is a 404 Error in WordPress?

Before we dive into the solutions, let’s understand the “enemy.” A 404 error occurs when a browser successfully connects to your server but cannot find the specific page or file requested.

In most cases, the content still exists, but the “road map” (your URL structure) is broken. To Fix 404 error in WordPress, we usually need to repair these digital road maps.

The “Magic Button” Fix: Resetting Your Permalinks

This is the most common and easiest way to Fix 404 error in WordPress. Often, after installing a new plugin or updating a theme, WordPress “forgets” its URL rules.

How to do it:

1. Log in to your WordPress Dashboard.
2. Navigate to Settings > Permalinks.
3. Scroll to the bottom and click Save Changes.
   Note: You don’t actually need to change any settings. Simply clicking “Save” forces WordPress to flush and regenerate your rewrite rules.
4. Refresh your broken page. In 90% of cases, this simple step will Fix 404 error in WordPress.

Fixing a Corrupted .htaccess File

If the first step didn’t work, your .htaccess file (the file that controls your server’s directions) might be corrupted or lack the proper permissions. To Fix 404 error in WordPress manually, you may need to reset this file.

Step-by-Step Manual Reset:

1. Access your site files via FTP (like FileZilla) or your hosting cPanel File Manager.
2. Locate the .htaccess file in your root folder (usually public_html).
3. Backup first: Rename the old file to .htaccess_old.
4. Create a new file named .htaccess and paste the following default WordPress code:

1. Save the file. This deep-level reset is a powerful way to Fix 404 error in WordPress.

Dealing with Plugin and Theme Conflicts

Sometimes, a poorly coded plugin can hijack your site’s URL structure. If you noticed the error after a recent update, this is likely the culprit.

• Deactivate All Plugins: Go to Plugins > Installed Plugins and bulk deactivate them.
• Check the Site: If the 404 is gone, reactivate them one by one until the error returns.
• Switch Themes: If plugins aren’t the issue, try switching to a default theme like Twenty Twenty-Six. If the error disappears, your theme’s functions.php file might need professional repair to Fix 404 error in WordPress.

Setting Up 301 Redirects with 1idea Digital

If you have deleted a page or changed a URL slug, the old link will always show a 404. To Fix 404 error in WordPress for missing content, you must guide the user to a new destination.

How to Fix 404 Error in WordPress

Recommended Tool: Redirection Plugin

• Install the Redirection plugin.
• Enter the “Source URL” (the broken link).
• Enter the “Target URL” (where you want them to go).
• Click Add Redirect.

This ensures that instead of an error, your visitors find relevant content, which is a core strategy we use at 1idea Digital for our clients’ SEO health.

Comparison of 404 Fix Methods

Why You Must Fix 404 Error in WordPress Immediately

Ignoring these errors is dangerous for two reasons:

1. SEO Damage: Google penalizes sites with too many “dead ends.” If you don’t Fix 404 error in WordPress, your rankings will drop.
2. Lost Revenue: If a customer lands on a 404 while trying to buy a product, they will leave and go to a competitor.

At 1idea Digital, we recommend checking your Google Search Console once a week to identify these errors before they hurt your business.

Final Thoughts

Learning how to Fix 404 error in WordPress is an essential skill for every website owner. Whether it’s a quick permalink refresh or a manual .htaccess fix, staying on top of these errors ensures your digital presence remains flawless.

Remember, a 404 isn’t just an error—it’s a sign that your site needs a little maintenance. Follow the steps above, and you’ll have your pages back online in no time!