How to redirect the 404 Error page in WordPress?
Redirecting the 404 error page in WordPress can be achieved by using a redirection plugin or by editing your theme’s functions.php
file. Here are two methods you can use:
Method 1: Using a Redirection Plugin (Recommended for Beginners)
- Install a Redirection Plugin:
- Go to your WordPress admin dashboard.
- Navigate to “Plugins” > “Add New.”
- Search for a redirection plugin, such as “Redirection” or “404 to 301.”
- Install and activate the plugin.
- Configure the Redirection:
- Once activated, go to “Tools” > “Redirection” in your WordPress dashboard.
- Click on the “404s” tab.
- Add a new redirection rule by entering the source URL (the 404 page) and the target URL (the page where you want to redirect users).
- Save the changes.
- Test the Redirection:
- Open a new browser window or tab and try accessing a non-existent page on your website to see if the redirection is working as expected.
Method 2: Editing functions.php
(Advanced Users)
- Access Theme Files:
- Connect to your WordPress site via FTP or use the file manager provided by your hosting control panel.
- Navigate to the directory containing your WordPress theme.
- Edit
functions.php
:- Locate the
functions.php
file in your theme directory. - Edit the file using a text editor (preferably one that supports code formatting, such as Notepad++ or VSCode).
- Locate the
- Add Redirect Code:
- Add the following code at the end of the
functions.php
file:
- Add the following code at the end of the
PHP Code
function custom_redirect_404() { if (is_404()) { wp_redirect(home_url(‘/’)); // Replace ‘/’ with the desired URL exit(); } } add_action(‘template_redirect’, ‘custom_redirect_404’);
-
- Save the changes to functions.php.
- Test the Redirection:
- Open a new browser window or tab and try accessing a non-existent page on your website to check if the redirection is working.
Remember to replace home_url('/')
with the actual URL where you want to redirect users in the code snippet.
Using a redirection plugin is recommended for those unfamiliar with coding, as it provides a user-friendly interface. However, if you are comfortable editing theme files and prefer a code-based solution, the second method is suitable. Always make a backup before making changes to theme files.