Website

Fix the 404 Not Found error

Definitions

The 404 Not Found error means a web page or file doesn’t exist or has been moved without a redirect. Here is a visual example of the 404 Not Found Error:

Before you start

✅ In nearly 99% of cases, the 404 Not Found error is a URL or link problem, that can easily be solved.

ℹ️ Follow the step by step fixes below in order, moving to the next if the previous one does not work.

Step by step

Reset your website permalinks

If you have a WordPress website, resetting permalinks can solve the 404 Not Found error.

1. Log in to your WordPress dashboard

2. Hover over Settings from the menu

3. Click on Permalinks from the dropdown

4. Take note of your current permalink structure. For example, our website uses the ‘Day and name’ permalink structure. Take note of your existing structure before moving to the next step.

5. Now, select a different permalink structure. It can be any other structure, besides your current one. For example, we will choose the ‘Post name’ structure.

6. Click the Save Changes button

7. Now, re-select your original permalink structure. In our example, we’ll go back to our original ‘Day and name’ permalink structure.

8. Click the Save Changes button

9. Wait a few moments and then revisit your website

Check your website URL

Sometimes a 404 error is caused by going to the wrong URL.

1. Go to your web browser and check your URL is typed correctly in the search bar

2. Try retyping the address or using a search engine to find the correct page

Check for dead links and create redirects

Dead links trigger 404 errors. Fixing or creating redirects for dead links solves the problem.

1. Check for dead, old and broken links on your website

2. Update and fix any broken links or set up redirects if you’ve moved content

If you have a WordPress website, you can use:

If you have a non-WordPress website, you can use:

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