How to Fix WordPress Posts Returning 404 Error

When you encounter a 404 error on your WordPress site, it can be frustrating and confusing. This error message typically appears when a user tries to access a page or post that doesn’t exist or has been moved. In this guide, we will explore the common causes of the 404 error in WordPress and provide solutions on how to fix it.

One of the most common causes of the 404 error in WordPress is a problem with your permalinks. Permalinks are the permanent URLs for your posts and pages. If they are not set up correctly, it can cause the 404 error to appear. To fix this issue, go to the WordPress dashboard and navigate to Settings > Permalinks. Make sure that the permalink structure is set to the correct format, such as “Post Name.”

Another common cause of the 404 error in WordPress is a problem with your .htaccess file. The .htaccess file is a configuration file that controls how your server handles requests for your site. If this file becomes corrupted or contains incorrect information, it can cause the 404 error to appear. To fix this issue, you can try renaming your .htaccess file and then generating a new one. This can be done by going to the WordPress dashboard and navigating to Settings > Permalinks. Click the “Save Changes” button, and a new .htaccess file will be generated.

A third common cause of the 404 error in WordPress is a problem with your theme or plugin. If you recently installed a new theme or plugin, it may be causing the 404 error to appear. To fix this issue, you can try deactivating or uninstalling the theme or plugin in question and see if the error goes away. If it does, you may need to contact the developer of the theme or plugin for further assistance.

Another possible cause of 404 error is when you move your website from one domain to another. In this case, you will need to update the URLs of your pages and posts to match the new domain. You can use a plugin such as “Better Search Replace” to update your URLs.

In some cases, the 404 error may be caused by a problem with your server or hosting provider. If you have tried all of the solutions above and are still encountering the 404 error, it may be time to contact your hosting provider for further assistance.

In conclusion, the 404 error can be a frustrating and confusing problem to solve in WordPress. However, by understanding the common causes and solutions, you can quickly fix the issue and get your site up and running again. If you need further assistance, don’t hesitate to contact WP Genius for help.