The "404 Not Found" error in WordPress is a standard HTTP status code indicating that the server could not find the requested page. This can occur for various reasons, and here are steps you can take to address it:
-
Check Permalinks:
- Go to your WordPress dashboard, and navigate to Settings > Permalinks.
- Without making any changes, click the "Save Changes" button. This can sometimes refresh the permalink structure and resolve 404 errors.
-
Check URL:
- Ensure that the URL you're trying to access is correct. A simple typo in the URL can lead to a 404 error.
-
Check .htaccess File:
- The
.htaccess
file controls how your server handles URLs. Incorrect configurations can lead to 404 errors. You can regenerate the file by going to Settings > Permalinks and saving your settings again.
- The
-
Rebuild or Update Rewrite Rules:
- You can do this by visiting the
Settings > Permalinks
page and clicking the "Save Changes" button. WordPress will attempt to rebuild the rewrite rules.
- You can do this by visiting the
-
Check for a Page or Post with the Same Slug:
- If you have a page and a post with the same slug, this can cause conflicts. Consider changing the slug of one of them.
-
Check for Plugin or Theme Conflicts:
- Sometimes, a conflicting plugin or theme can cause 404 errors. Deactivate plugins one by one and switch to a default theme to see if the issue persists.
-
Check File and Folder Permissions:
- Incorrect file permissions can lead to 404 errors. Make sure that your files and directories have the correct permissions.
-
Check for Broken Links:
- Use a plugin or online tool to scan your site for broken links. Fix any links that are pointing to non-existent pages.
-
Reset the .htaccess File:
- If none of the above steps work, you can try resetting your
.htaccess
file. You can do this by renaming it to something likehtaccess_old
via FTP or a file manager.
- If none of the above steps work, you can try resetting your
-
Check for Server Configuration Issues:
- Contact your hosting provider to see if there are any server-level issues causing the 404 errors.
-
Check for Custom Redirects:
- If you have set up custom redirects using a plugin or in your server configuration, make sure they are correctly configured.
-
Check for Caching Issues:
- If you're using a caching plugin, try clearing the cache or temporarily deactivating the plugin to see if it resolves the issue.
If none of these steps resolve the issue, it might be a good idea to consult with your hosting provider's support team or the WordPress community for further assistance.