How to Fix the WordPress 404 Error: Troubleshooting Tips for Missing Pages

Few things are more frustrating for both website owners and visitors than landing on a WordPress 404 error page. Whether it's a blog post, a product page, or a key landing page that goes missing, these errors can result in a poor user experience, decreased SEO rankings, and lost conversions.

Fortunately, fixing a WordPress 404 error is usually straightforward if you know where to look. In this post, well walk you through what causes this error, how to resolve it, and why investing in website maintenance services and ongoing website updates can help prevent such issues in the future.

What Is a WordPress 404 Error?

A 404 error means the page youre trying to access cant be found on the server. In WordPress, this typically occurs when:

• The page or post was deleted or moved.

• Permalinks are broken.

• The .htaccess file is misconfigured.

• The URL is incorrect or misspelled.

Instead of showing the requested content, WordPress displays a default or custom 404 page, often saying Oops! That page cant be found.

Why WordPress 404 Errors Matter

You might think a single broken page isnt a big dealbut in reality, 404 errors can have a lasting negative impact:

• User Frustration: Visitors leave your site when they can't find what theyre looking for.

• SEO Penalties: Search engines penalize websites with too many dead links or errors.

• Brand Reputation: Frequent 404 errors make your site look outdated or poorly maintained.

• Loss of Revenue: For eCommerce sites, a broken product or checkout page can directly affect sales.

Thats why its important not just to fix WordPress 404 errors quickly, but also to implement website maintenance services and ongoing website updates to catch them before they affect your users.

Common Causes of WordPress 404 Errors

Here are the most frequent reasons you might see a 404 error in WordPress:

1. Broken or Changed Permalinks

If you change the permalink structure or slug of a page/post, the old URL will no longer work unless redirected.

2. Deleted Pages or Posts

Sometimes, users or developers delete content without updating internal links or navigation menus.

3. Moved Content Without Redirects

When pages are moved to a new location (e.g., /about to /company-about), visitors and search engines cant find the new path unless a redirect is set up.

4. Faulty .htaccess File

If your .htaccess file is corrupted or missing, WordPress may not be able to correctly route URLs, especially when using pretty permalinks.

5. Theme or Plugin Conflicts

Occasionally, certain plugins or theme updates interfere with routing and URL structures, leading to unexpected 404s.

How to Fix the WordPress 404 Error

1. Reset Permalinks

This is the most common and quickest fix.

• Go to Settings > Permalinks in your WordPress dashboard.

• Dont change anythingjust click Save Changes.

• This forces WordPress to refresh its permalink rules.

2. Manually Update the .htaccess File

If resetting permalinks doesnt work, edit your .htaccess file directly:

• Connect to your server using FTP or File Manager in your hosting dashboard.

• Locate the .htaccess file in the root directory (/public_html/).

• Replace its content with:

• Save and re-upload the file.

3. Check for Deleted Content

If you're linking to a page that no longer exists:

• Restore it from a backup, or

• Set up a redirect to a relevant page

Use a plugin like Redirection to manage 301 redirects easily.

4. Check Theme or Plugin Conflicts

Temporarily disable recent plugins or switch to a default WordPress theme (like Twenty Twenty-Four) to see if the issue resolves.

• If a plugin is the cause, check its settings or reach out to the developer.

• If its the theme, contact your theme provider for support.

5. Clear Your Cache

Sometimes, outdated or cached pages may still show a 404 error even after a fix. Clear:

• Your browser cache

• Your WordPress caching plugin (e.g., W3 Total Cache, WP Super Cache)

• Server-side cache (if your host provides one)

Preventing Future 404 Errors

1. Use Website Maintenance Services

Professional website maintenance services help monitor your site for broken links, missing content, and routing issues. These services often include:

• Regular site audits

• Error monitoring and fixes

• Backup management

• Link checking and redirect management

By outsourcing maintenance, you avoid the headaches of handling 404 errors yourself while keeping your site healthy and user-friendly.

2. Implement Ongoing Website Updates

Ongoing website updates go beyond fixing errors. They ensure your site evolves alongside your business and the web. This includes:

• Updating WordPress core, plugins, and themes

• Monitoring URL changes after content updates

• Testing internal and external links after changes

• Optimizing the site for new SEO best practices

A static website that never changes will quickly fall out of date. Proactive updates keep your site secure, fast, and error-free.

Bonus Tip: Create a Helpful Custom 404 Page

Even with good maintenance, occasional 404s are inevitable. Make the experience better for your users by customizing your 404 page:

• Add a search bar

• Suggest popular posts or pages

• Provide contact information

• Include a friendly, branded message

Example:

Oops! The page you're looking for doesnt exist. Try searching, or check out our latest blog posts!

This keeps users engaged and reduces bounce rates.

Conclusion

The WordPress 404 error may seem minor, but it can lead to major issues if left unchecked. Whether its a permalink issue, a deleted page, or a broken redirect, fixing these errors promptly is essential for a smooth user experience and healthy search engine rankings.

Relying on website maintenance services and scheduling ongoing website updates is the smartest way to prevent these problems before they impact your visitors. A proactive approach ensures your WordPress site remains reliable, secure, and SEO-friendlyno matter how often your content changes.

If youre not sure how to start, consider reaching out to a trusted maintenance provider to keep your site running error-free, so you can focus on growing your business.