WordPress makes it really simple to create your basic 404 page. Essentially, it routes all pages that aren’t found to a 404.php file in your theme directory. So, if you create a file called 404.php, you’ve already set up your 404 page. Most themes come with a 404.php file included, with some basic information to start off with. Quality Hosting Made Easy. Whatever your website or application needs, we’ve got you covered. Enjoy 100% in-house support, guaranteed performance and uptime, 1-click installs, and a super-intuitive control panel to make managing your websites and projects easy. Another solution you can look at for WordPress 404 errors when the Post or Page does exist is to use a plugin like WP 301 Redirects, which automatically recognizes & redirects 404 pages to similar URLs. A WordPress “404” error page is an actual page file that can be edited. It is typically included with most WordPress themes. You can find this page by logging into your server (e.g. Via FTP, cPanel, etc.) and looking for a page called 404.php located inside the wp-content themes name of theme folder (404.php file).
Description
With 100,000+ active installations the 404page plugin is the most used plugin to create a customized 404 error page in WordPress.
Bringing visitors to your website takes time and effort. Every visitor is important. The default 404 error page of most themes do not provide any information on what to find on your site. A first tme visitor, who does not know you, is left in a dead end and leaves your website. Set up a helpful custom 404 error page to keep him on your site.
This handy plugin allows you to easily create your own 404 error page without any effort and it works with almost every theme.
Usage
Create your custom 404 error page just like any other page using the WordPress Page Editor. Then go to ‘Appearance’ -> ‘404 Error Page’ and select the created page as your custom 404 error page. That’s it!
Why use this plugin?
Different from other similar plugins the 404page plugin does not create redirects. That’s quite important because a correct code 404 is delivered which tells search engines that the page does not exist and has to be removed from the index.
Different from other similar plugins the 404page plugin does not create additional server requests.
Requirements
The only requirement for this plugin is that you change the Permalink Structure in ‘Settings’ -> ‘Permalinks’ to anything else but ‘Plain’. This also activates the WordPress 404 error handling.
Docs & Support
Videos
Compatibility
The 404page plugin was sucessfully tested by the author with the following themes
- Customizr (Read more about Customizr Compatibility Mode)
The 404page plugin was sucessfully tested by the author with the following starter themes
The 404page plugin was sucessfully tested by the author with the following plugins
- WP Super Cache (Read more about WP Super Cache Compatibility)
- WPML WordPress Multilingual Plugin (officially approved by WPML team)
For developers
Action Hook
The plugin adds an action hook 404page_after_404 which you can use to add extra functionality. The exact position the action occurs after an 404 error is detected depends on the Operating Method. Your function must not generate any output. There are no parameters.
Constant
If the 404page plugin is installed and activated it defines the PHP constant PP_404. Check existence of it to detect the 404page plugin.
Functions
The Plugin provides the following functions:
- pp_404_is_active() to check if there is a custom 404 page selected and the selected page exists
- pp_404_get_page_id() to get the ID of the 404 page
- pp_404_get_all_page_ids() to get an array of page IDs in all languages
Native Mode
If you are a theme developer you can add native support for the 404page plugin to your theme for full control. Read more.
Do you like this plugin?
I spend a lot of my precious spare time to develop and maintain my free WordPress plugins. You don’t need to make a donation. No money, no beer, no coffee. If you like this plugin then please do me a favor and give it a good rating. Thanks.
Plugin Privacy Information
- This plugin does not set cookies
- This plugin does not collect or store any data
- This plugin does not send any data to external servers
Wordpress Page Not Found Error
ClassicPress
This plugin is compatible with ClassicPress.
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FAQ
Will it work with the theme I’m using?
This plugin is designed to work with as many themes as possible. It uses the WordPress Template System to detect and handle 404 errors. If your theme makes use of this Template System this plugin will work properly. If it does not the plugin offers a so called Compatibility Mode, which uses its completely own method to detect and handle 404 errors. If this plugin does not work properly, try to activate Compatibility Mode.
Are 404 errors redirected?
No, there is no redirection! The chosen page is delivered as a ‘real’ 404 error page. This results in a HTTP 404 code and not in 301 or 302, which is important for Search Engines to tell them, that the page does not exist and should be deleted from the index.
Is it possible to add custom CSS to the 404 page?
Wordpress 404 Page
The 404page plugin adds a CSS class error404 to the <body> tag which can be used for extra styling.
Where can I get help?
Please use the Support Forum.
Reviews
An Introduction to 404 Error Pages
A 404 error page alerts visitors to a missing page or incorrect URL. Many websites use the default page provided by their theme, but 404 error pages can also be customized to improve User Experience (UX).
Most commonly, an error page will note the issue and provide alternative options for the user to choose from: for example, a Return to the Home Page link, related content, or a Search box.
A good 404 error page should contain a few essential elements. These include a link or navigation menu, an on-brand apology or explanation, and a Search box.
For example, Cloud Sigma opted for a quirky explanation and an easy-to-find Back to Homepage button. This helps to lessen the frustration, while also enabling the user to return to the main site with minimal interruption.
Wordpress 404 Page Design
Repair Pal presents another good example of a well-implemented 404 error page. They opted to stick with their default theme — keeping the navigation menu intact — while also providing users with a way to immediately interact with the page. For example, visitors can Get an Estimate or Troubleshoot Your Car.
Wordpress 404 Page Url
As you can see, creating a functional page is a useful way of mitigating the effects of a 404 error. They also ensure your website has an air of professionalism, despite an error being present.