10 min read
A 404 not found error is one of the most common problems website owners and internet users encounter. It usually appears when a page cannot be found, either because the URL is incorrect, the page was deleted, or the website structure has changed. While it may seem like a minor issue, repeated 404 errors can negatively affect user experience, reduce website credibility, and even impact SEO performance.
In this article, you will learn the most common reasons behind 404 errors and discover 9 effective ways to fix a 404 error quickly to keep your website running smoothly and accessible to visitors.
What is a 404 not found error?Link to heading
A 404 Not Found error, also known as HTTP 404, Error 404, Page Not Found, or File Not Found, is an HTTP status code that informs users that the server cannot locate the requested webpage or resource. In simple terms, this means the page you are trying to access no longer exists or cannot currently be found by the browser.
Some common variations of the 404 Not Found error message that frequently appear on websites include:
- 404 Not Found
- 404 Error
- Error 404 Not Found
- Error 404
- The requested URL [URL] was not found on this server, meaning the server could not locate the requested webpage or resource.
- HTTP 404, which indicates a problem related to the HTTP connection protocol.
- 404 File or Directory Not Found, meaning the file, folder, or directory being requested cannot be located on the server.
- HTTP 404 Not Found, showing that the requested connection or webpage could not be found successfully.
- 404 Page Not Found, indicating that the page you are trying to access no longer exists or cannot be reached.
Blank or incomplete webpage: In some cases, the page may load as a blank screen or display only limited information instead of the expected content.
Today, most web servers support custom 404 error pages or allow website owners to redirect users to another page whenever this issue occurs. Many large websites replace the default 404 message with a more user-friendly and visually appealing notification to reduce frustration and improve the browsing experience when visitors encounter a broken or unavailable page.
>>> Learn more: What is a 403 Forbidden error? Causes and how to fix it
Causes of a 404 not found errorLink to heading
Incorrect URL entryLink to heading
One of the most common reasons for a 404 Not Found error is entering the wrong URL into the browser. This may happen because of spelling mistakes, incorrect special characters, missing parts of the link, or typing errors in the web address. Even a small mistake in the URL can prevent the browser from finding the correct resource.
The page has been moved or deletedLink to heading
When a website owner removes a webpage or changes its location, any old links pointing to that page may stop working. If the page or file has been deleted or moved without setting up a proper redirect, users attempting to access the old URL will receive a 404 error because the browser can no longer locate the requested content.
Server problemsLink to heading
Server-related issues can also cause 404 errors. Incorrect server configurations, damaged settings, or problems locating the requested resource may all trigger this error. In some situations, technical failures or misconfigured hosting environments prevent the server from responding correctly to user requests.
Website technical or management errorsLink to heading
Technical issues within the website itself may also lead to 404 errors. For example, outdated website data, incorrect configurations, broken links, or mistakes during website management and updates can all create inaccessible pages and missing resources.
>>> Learn more: What is a 429 Too Many Requests error? How to fix error 429
Effects of a 404 not found errorLink to heading
In reality, frequent 404 Not Found errors can negatively affect both website performance and user experience in several ways:
- Reduced website credibility: Constantly encountering 404 errors can frustrate visitors and reduce trust in the website. Over time, this may damage the reputation and professionalism of the business.
- Loss of potential customers: If users cannot access the information or services they need, they may leave the website and switch to a competitor instead.
- Negative impact on SEO performance: 404 errors can affect search engine rankings, increase bounce rates, and reduce overall website traffic. Search engines may also have difficulty crawling and indexing pages properly when too many broken links exist on the site.
4 Tools to check and detect 404 errorsLink to heading
Google Webmaster ToolsLink to heading
Google Webmaster Tools is a familiar platform for most SEO professionals because it is used regularly to monitor website performance and indexing issues. One of the most useful features of this tool is its ability to collect and report broken links and crawl errors that exist on your website. This helps website owners quickly identify pages that users or search engines cannot access.
To find URLs that are returning errors, go to the Crawl section and select Crawl Errors. The system will display a list of problematic pages, including 404 errors, so you can review and fix them more efficiently. This method is especially useful for large websites that contain many pages and internal links.
LinkCheckerLink to heading
If you are using a Linux operating system, LinkChecker is another useful tool for checking 404 errors. The software supports multiple platforms, including Windows, Ubuntu, and Linux systems through command-line support. In addition, it can also be installed directly on a web server and operated within a web environment.
Overall, LinkChecker is a flexible solution for website administrators who want to scan broken links quickly and effectively. If your server has enough resources and performance capacity, installing this tool directly on the server can help speed up the checking process and simplify website maintenance tasks.
Xenu Link SleuthLink to heading
Xenu Link Sleuth is a tool designed to scan and analyze all links found on a website, not just links that return 404 errors. The software works by crawling pages step by step, following links from one page to another until the entire website has been scanned.
After the scanning process is completed, the tool provides a detailed report containing all detected links and their status. However, websites with a large number of pages or broken links may require more time for the scan to finish completely.
Once a broken link has been identified, you can right-click on it and choose URL Properties to view where the link appears on the website. This makes it easier to locate the source of the issue and apply the appropriate fix.
Screaming Frog Spider SEOLink to heading
While Xenu mainly focuses on collecting and displaying website links with basic information, Screaming Frog Spider SEO offers more advanced SEO analysis features. In addition to detecting broken links and 404 errors, the tool also helps analyze link metrics, audit internal and external links, and evaluate important on-page SEO elements.
Because of its broader functionality, Screaming Frog Spider SEO has become a popular choice among SEO specialists and website administrators who want a more comprehensive website auditing solution. It is especially useful for identifying technical SEO problems that may affect search engine rankings and overall website performance.
How to fix a 404 not found errorLink to heading
Refresh the pageLink to heading
One of the easiest ways to fix a 404 error is to leave the page and reload it again. In many cases, the problem happens because the website server is temporarily unable to display the page due to a system issue or server interruption. Refreshing the page may help restore the connection and allow the content to load normally again.
Clear browser cacheLink to heading
If the URL works properly on your phone but cannot be opened on your computer, the issue may come from your browser cache. Old cached files can sometimes prevent the browser from loading the latest version of a webpage. Clearing the browser cache is a simple method that may help resolve the 404 Not Found error and allow the page to load correctly again.
Check the URL carefullyLink to heading
Another common reason for a 404 error is entering the wrong URL address. Even a small typo can cause the server to fail to locate the requested page. To avoid this issue, carefully review the entire URL and check whether there are any incorrect characters, missing symbols, or typing mistakes. After correcting the URL, press Enter again so the browser can send the correct request to the server.
Search for the website againLink to heading
If you cannot access the page directly, try searching for the website through a search engine. Think about the content, products, or services the website offers, then enter related keywords into the search bar and press Enter. Once you find the correct page, save the updated URL or compare it with the broken one. This can help you identify mistakes in the original URL that caused the error.
Change the DNS serverLink to heading
A 404 Not Found error may also appear if the website has been blocked by your network provider or if there is a DNS-related problem. In this situation, switching to another DNS server may help restore access to the website. Many users choose public DNS services because they can improve connection stability and resolve access issues more effectively.
Access the cached version on GoogleLink to heading
If Google has already indexed the webpage, a cached version may still be available. This allows users to view previously saved content even when the original page cannot be accessed. To open the cached page, copy the website URL and add the word “cache:” before it in the browser search bar. Google will then display the saved version of the page along with the date when the cache was created.
Set up a redirectLink to heading
One of the simplest ways to solve a 404 error on a website is by redirecting the broken page to another working page. This is commonly done using a 301 redirect, which tells browsers and search engines that the content has permanently moved to a different URL. Redirects help visitors access the correct content while also reducing negative SEO impact caused by broken pages.
Access higher-level directoriesLink to heading
Another method to troubleshoot a 404 error is to move step by step through the URL directory structure until you locate an active section of the website. By removing parts of the URL one level at a time, you may discover where the issue begins and identify whether a specific page or folder is missing.
Contact a professionalLink to heading
If the 404 error continues to appear and you cannot determine the cause, it may be best to contact an experienced professional for assistance. SEO agencies, website developers, and technical support specialists can help identify the root cause of the issue and provide effective solutions to restore website functionality properly.
ConclusionLink to heading
Encountering a 404 not found error does not always mean a website is broken, but repeated errors should never be overlooked. Whether the issue is caused by incorrect URLs, deleted pages, server problems, or website configuration mistakes, fixing these errors promptly is essential for protecting SEO rankings and improving the overall user experience.
A well-managed website should always be monitored for broken links and inaccessible pages to avoid losing valuable traffic and potential customers. With the right troubleshooting methods and website management practices, you can reduce 404 not found error issues significantly and keep your website running smoothly, securely, and efficiently over time.
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