How to Fix WordPress Posts Returning 404 Error

Need to know how to fix WordPress posts returning 404 Error?

Encountering a “404 Not Found” error while attempting to access specific WordPress posts can be perplexing.

Despite this issue, rest assured, that your content remains intact, and the problem often lies within specific settings or server configurations.

Understanding the Cause of WordPress Posts Returning 404 Error

WordPress, a robust content management system, occasionally faces glitches leading to site inaccessibility. However, the “404 Not Found” error affecting posts usually permits access to the admin area and front-end while hindering post access.

Typically, this error isn’t indicative of lost content but could result from a corrupted .htaccess file or misconfigured rewrite rules.

Let’s delve into resolving WordPress posts returning 404 errors through the following methods:

Method 1: Fix Your Permalink Settings

How to Fix WordPress Posts Returning 404 Error

This method aims to rectify issues linked with rewrite rules by updating permalink settings:

  1. Navigate to Settings » Permalinks within your WordPress admin panel.
  2. Without making alterations, click on ‘Save Changes’ to refresh your permalink settings and clear rewrite rules.

This simple step often resolves the WordPress posts 404 error. However, if the issue persists, manual .htaccess file updates might be necessary.

Method 2: Update the WordPress .htaccess File

Update the WordPress .htaccess File

Prior to any modifications, ensure a backup of the .htaccess file:

  1. Use an FTP client like FileZilla or the File Manager in your hosting dashboard to access your server.
  2. Locate and right-click on the .htaccess file, then select ‘File Permissions.’
  3. Set permissions to 666 (readable and writable) temporarily for the .htaccess file, save changes, and proceed.
  4. Edit the .htaccess file, adding the following code:
# BEGIN WordPress
<IfModule mod_rewrite.c>
RewriteEngine On
RewriteBase /
RewriteRule ^index\.php$ - [L]
RewriteCond %{REQUEST_FILENAME} !-f
RewriteCond %{REQUEST_FILENAME} !-d
RewriteRule . /index.php [L]
</IfModule>
# END WordPress

Save the file and reset permissions to 660 (readable by the server).

Method 3: Contact Your Hosting Provider

Should the prior solutions fail, consider contacting your hosting provider. There may be an issue at their end affecting your site’s functionality. Their support team might provide necessary insights or rectify server-related glitches.

Method 4: Fix WordPress Posts Returning 404 Error on Local Servers

For users employing local servers such as MAMP, WAMP, or XAMPP for testing purposes, enabling mod_rewrite in Apache configuration is crucial:

  1. For XAMPP users:
    • Open the control panel, click on ‘Config’ within Actions, and choose ‘Apache (httpd.conf).’
    • Find the line #LoadModule rewrite_module modules/mod_rewrite.so, remove the # to uncomment it.
    • Search for instances of AllowOverride None and modify them to AllowOverride All for enabling directives override.
    • Save the file, restart Apache, and verify permalinks within your admin dashboard.

Following these methods should resolve the posts returning 404 errors in WordPress, ensuring smooth access to your content.

For further insights into resolving common WordPress errors, explore our comprehensive guides for effective troubleshooting.

Stay tuned for more expert tips and insights to optimize your WordPress experience!