Troubleshooting Guide: Fixing WordPress 404 Errors on Sub-Pages by Flushing Permalinks

Introduction – Fixing WordPress 404 Errors on Sub-Pages

Encountering 404 errors on sub-pages of your WordPress site can be a frustrating experience, especially when the main page is accessible. Fortunately, one common solution to this issue is to flush permalinks. In this troubleshooting guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to resolve the problem and restore access to your WordPress sub-pages.

Identifying the Issue:

1. Confirming the Problem:

• Access the main page of your WordPress site. If it loads correctly, but sub-pages return 404 errors, it’s likely a permalink issue.

1. Checking Permalink Settings:

• Log in to your WordPress admin dashboard.
• Navigate to “Settings” and select “Permalinks.”
• Confirm your permalink structure settings and check if any recent changes were made.

Resolving the Issue:

1. Flushing Permalinks:

• The primary solution to address 404 errors on sub-pages is to flush permalinks.
• Navigate to “Settings” and select “Permalinks” in the admin dashboard.
• Without making any changes, click the “Save Changes” button.
• This action refreshes the permalink structure, resolving potential conflicts.

1. Checking .htaccess File:

• Ensure that your site’s root directory contains an .htaccess file.
• Verify the file’s permissions and make sure it is writable.
• If the file is missing, you can create a new one and add the default WordPress .htaccess rules.

1. File and Folder Permissions:

• Incorrect file or folder permissions might lead to 404 errors.
• Check and ensure that the directories have a permission level of 755 and files are set to 644.
• Consult your hosting provider or server documentation for guidance on setting permissions.

1. Deactivating Plugins:

• Some plugins can interfere with permalinks and cause 404 errors.
• Temporarily deactivate all plugins and check if the issue persists.
• If the problem resolves, reactivate plugins one by one to identify the culprit.

1. Reviewing Theme Compatibility:

• Switch to a default WordPress theme (e.g., Twenty Twenty-One) to rule out theme-related issues.
• If the problem disappears with the default theme, there may be a conflict in your current theme’s functions.

1. Checking for URL Conflicts:

• Ensure there are no conflicting URLs or slugs.
• Check for duplicate page or post slugs, as this can lead to conflicts.
• Update the slugs or change the permalink structure if needed.

1. Rebuilding Permalinks via FTP:

• Access your site’s files using FTP.
• Locate the .htaccess file in the root directory.
• Rename the file to something else (e.g., .htaccess_old).
• Go back to the Permalinks settings in the WordPress admin and click “Save Changes” to generate a new .htaccess file.

Prevention:

1. Regular Backups:

• Implement regular backups of your WordPress site, including both files and the database, to restore quickly if issues arise.

1. Plugin and Theme Updates:

• Keep plugins and themes up to date to ensure compatibility with the latest WordPress version.

Conclusion Fixing WordPress 404 Errors on Sub-Pages:

Troubleshooting 404 errors on sub-pages in WordPress can often be resolved by flushing permalinks. Following the steps outlined in this guide should help you identify and address the issue efficiently. If the problem persists, consider seeking assistance from your hosting provider or a WordPress support community. Regular maintenance, backups, and staying informed about updates can contribute to a smoother WordPress experience.

If you need help troubleshooting a problem on your WordPress site please get in touch.

Photo by Erik Mclean on Unsplash