How to fix WordPress 404 Error – Bug Updates

Imagine this: you’ve worked with your heart into crafting the perfect blog post, hit “publish,” and eagerly share it with the world. When readers attempt to read it, they find a WordPress 404 Error page, indicating that the page is not found or lost.

What is a WordPress Page Not Found Error?

If your WordPress page or posts are disappearing, instead showing a WordPress Page Not Found Error, it’s as if your website is saying, ‘Oops, we can’t find that!’ Fortunately, you can still navigate your site and access the admin area, which, thankfully, is a great sign. In most cases, the culprit here is your permalink settings, which dictate how URLs are structured in WordPress.

How To Fix WordPress 404 Error

1. Fix WordPress 404 Error with Permalink Settings

Your permalink settings are the unsung heroes of URL structure. Sometimes they need a little nudge to get back on track. Here’s how to give them a refresh:

1. Log into WordPress Admin: Go to your WordPress dashboard and navigate to Settings > Permalinks.
2. Save Changes: Without changing anything, click Save Changes. This action refreshes your permalink structure and can often solve the problem.

2. Fix WordPress Page Not Found Error with Rewrite Rules

If the simple refresh doesn’t work, you might need to manually update the rewrite rules. Think of this as giving your site a little pep talk to get its URLs back in order.

1. Edit the .htaccess File: This file is like the backstage pass for your WordPress site’s URL management.
   1. Connect to your site using an FTP client or through your hosting provider’s file manager.
   2. Look for the .htaccess file in your WordPress root directory.
   3. Open it and check for the standard WordPress rewrite rules:

# 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

4. If these rules are missing or altered, add them in and save the file.
5. Flush Rewrite Rules via Plugin: For a more user-friendly approach, you can use a plugin like Rewrite Rules Inspector. It helps you refresh and manage rewrite rules without getting into the nitty-gritty of code.

3. Permalink Structure: A Fresh New Look

Sometimes, the permalink structure itself needs a makeover. Changing how your URLs are formatted can sometimes clear up the 404 issue.

1. Change Permalink Structure: Go to Settings > Permalinks and try a different permalink structure.
2. Save Changes: After selecting a new structure, click Save Changes. Now you can switch back to your preferred structure and save it again.

Extra Tips for a Smooth Ride

• Clear Your Caches: Sometimes, old data can cause confusion. Clear your site and browser caches to ensure you’re seeing the latest version of your site.
• Check for Conflicting Plugins: Sometimes, plugins can mess with permalink settings. Deactivate plugins one by one to see if any are causing the issue.
• Consult Your Theme: Some themes have their own URL settings or might conflict with permalink structures. Check with your theme’s documentation or support.

Conclusion

The “404 Page Not Found” error might feel like a problem, but with these steps, anyone can fix the WordPress 404 error and resolve issues. By refreshing your permalinks, tweaking rewrite rules, and maybe even changing up your URL structure, you’ll have your site running smoothly in no time. So, let’s get ready to wave goodbye to those 404 errors and guide your visitors back to your content.

Happy fixing!