Error 404 means the server cannot find the page; fix it by checking the URL, repairing broken links, adding 301 redirects, and clearing the browser cache.
What is Error 404?
Error 404 is an HTTP status that shows a missing page. A server sends code 404 when no file matches the link. Search engines, like Google and Bing, mark many 404 pages as waste signals.
Why does Error 404 happen?
Error 404 happens when a link points to a page that moved or never existed. Common causes include typos, moved files, and deleted pages, like /blog-old.html moved to /blog-new.html. Broken backlinks from other sites also return code 404.
How can a site owner fix Error 404 fast?
A site owner fixes Error 404 by adding a 301 redirect to the correct page.
- Check server logs for 404 records.
- Crawl the site with Screaming Frog.
- Map each old URL to a new URL.
- Add Redirect 301 rules in .htaccess or use the Redirection plugin in WordPress.
- Test every link.
How can a visitor fix Error 404?
A visitor fixes Error 404 by refreshing the page and checking the URL spelling. Next, clear browser cache, switch to HTTPS, or use site search. If the link came from search, open the cached copy.
How can you stop Error 404 next time?
You stop future 404 errors by setting a custom 404 page and checking links each month.
- Run a crawl every 30 days.
- Update sitemap XML.
- Add automatic redirects in the CMS.
- Keep internal links updated during content edits.
Is Error 404 bad for SEO?
Yes, many 404 pages waste crawl budget and hurt user trust.
Does a 301 redirect fix Error 404?
Yes, a 301 redirect sends users and search bots to the new page.
Can plugins fix Error 404 in WordPress?
Yes, plugins like Redirection catch 404 hits and add rules.
Tools to Fix Error 404
| Tool | Type | Cost | Example Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Google Search Console | Web service | Free | View 404 errors in Coverage report |
| Screaming Frog SEO Spider | Desktop crawler | Free up to 500 URLs | Export 404 list |
| htaccess file | Server file | Free | Add Redirect 301 /old-page/ /new-page/ |
| Redirection plugin | WordPress plugin | Free | Auto‑map changed slugs |