How to Fix 404 Not Found Errors: A Complete Guide
A 404 Not Found error occurs when a browser cannot locate a requested webpage on the server. This guide covers causes, how to identify errors using tools like Google Search Console or server logs, and solutions such as fixing broken links, updating sitemaps, configuring .htaccess, and implementing 301 redirects. Regular maintenance prevents future errors and ensures better site performance.
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Key Takeaways
- A 404 Error occurs when a browser cannot find a specific webpage on the server.
- Use diagnostic tools like Google Search Console, browser developer tools, or web crawlers to identify 404 Errors.
- Solutions include fixing broken links, updating sitemaps, clearing caches, and implementing redirects.
- Regular maintenance is crucial to keeping your site free from 404 Errors.
- Proper .htaccess configuration fixes server-side issues causing 404 Errors.
Understanding the 404 Not Found Error
The 404 Not Found Error is one of the most common HTTP status codes encountered on websites. It indicates that the browser successfully connected to the server but the requested page was not found. This can detract from user experience, harm your website’s SEO, and potentially decrease overall traffic.
Let’s dive into fixing this issue step-by-step:
Step 1: Identify and Track 404 Errors
1. Use Google Search Console
Google Search Console is a free tool that helps uncover pages returning 404 errors:
- Navigate to Page Indexing > Why Pages Aren’t Indexed > Not Found (404).
- Export the error list to keep track of problematic URLs.
2. Check Server Logs
Access your server logs to identify URLs leading to 404 errors:
- Apache:
/var/log/apache2/access.log - Nginx:
/var/log/nginx/access.log
Use tools like cPanel or an FTP client to locate your server logs.
3. Use Browser Developer Tools
Open your browser, press F12 to access Developer Tools:
- Go to the Network tab.
- Reload your site and monitor requests for a 404 status code.
4. Scan with Website Crawlers
Web crawling tools like:
These allow you to efficiently detect and export broken links on your site.
Step 2: Fix Broken Links
Once detected, fixing broken links is vital for both user experience and SEO.
Option 1: Modify or Delete the Referring URLs
Find internal or external pages linking to the 404 page. Use tools like Screaming Frog to pinpoint referring pages, then:
- Edit the links to correct HTML typos.
- Delete links to non-existent pages.
Option 2: Redirect Broken Links
If a page is permanently gone but has traffic or SEO value, set up redirects (discussed further in Step 7).
Step 3: Update Your Sitemap
Your site’s XML sitemap guides search engines to the right content. Keeping it updated ensures smooth crawling.
For WordPress Users:
- Yoast SEO: Automatically updates your sitemap.
- Rank Math: Open Settings > Sitemap Settings > Exclude Posts with specific IDs.
Pro Tip: Regularly regenerate your sitemap when removing old content.
For Custom Websites:
Manually edit the sitemap.xml file to remove URLs of deleted pages.
Step 4: Prevent Search Engines From Crawling Non-Existent Pages
Efficiently disallow indexing of outdated content:
With Yoast SEO:
- Navigate to the page’s Editor.
- Scroll down to Advanced Settings.
- Set “Allow search engines to show this content in search results?” to “No.”
Step 5: Fix Issues with the .htaccess File
Improper configuration of the .htaccess file often results in server errors, including 404s.
Option 1: Reset Permalinks
For WordPress users:
- Navigate to Settings > Permalinks.
- Click Save Changes without making any alterations.
This can reset .htaccess and solve issues.
Option 2: Manually Edit .htaccess
On your hosting server:
- Access File Manager > public_html.
- Rename
.htaccesstemporarily to troubleshoot, then rename it back.
Step 6: Implement 301 Redirects
Redirects ensure users and search engines are sent to a valid page:
- Use a Plugin (WordPress): Install plugins like ‘Redirection’ or utilize Rank Math’s Redirection Tool.
- Manual Redirects: For non-WordPress sites, add this code to
.htaccess:Redirect 301 /old-page-url https://yourdomain.com/new-page-url
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Step 7: Clear Cache and Cookies
Outdated cache files can prevent updates from reflecting.
Clear Cache in Chrome:
- Go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Clear Browsing Data.
- Select Cached images and cookies.
For entire website-level caching, clear your Content Delivery Network (CDN) cache.
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Step 8: Monitor Regularly
Proactively monitor your site to prevent recurring 404 errors:
- Perform monthly crawls with Ahrefs.
- Keep an eye on Google Search Console.
FAQ Section
What is a 404 Not Found Error?
A “404 Not Found” error indicates the requested URL does not match any resource on the server. It often occurs when a page is deleted or a link is broken.
Does 404 Error Impact SEO?
Yes, excessive 404 errors can harm site rankings as they signal poor user experience to search engines. Always redirect valuable pages.
How Long Do 404 Pages Persist on Search Engines?
If not managed, 404 pages can remain indexed for months. Submitting removals via Search Console expedites updates.
Is Redirecting Better Than Deleting?
Redirecting is better if the page has backlinks or SEO value. Otherwise, removing irrelevant URLs is acceptable.
Can I Prevent Users From Seeing Errors?
Yes, custom error pages improve user experience. Include helpful links (e.g., homepage or sitemap).
Example: Use EaseUS LockMyFile (Visit Here) to secure access to outdated pages during transitions.
Pro Tip: Regular maintenance ensures long-term website health. Use advanced audit tools like MiniTool Partition Wizard to streamline repairs.