How to Create a 404 Auto Redirect in WordPress | WordPress Plugin

How to Create a 404 Auto Redirect in WordPress, Encountering a 404 error page can be frustrating for your website visitors. It often leads to a poor user experience and can negatively impact your SEO.

The 404 error is one of the most common in WordPress, thus every website has a problem with it. However, with the proper tool, you may setup an auto-redirect for 404 problems in WordPress.

Fortunately, you can create a 404 auto-redirect in WordPress to guide users to relevant content instead of a dead end. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to set up a 404 auto-redirect in WordPress.

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Is Auto-Redirecting 404 Errors A Good Choice?

Setting up automatic redirections in WordPress can be beneficial in certain situations, such as online stores. However, it may not always be the best choice.

For instance, if a user accidentally clicks on a product and is redirected to the homepage due to a 404 error, it could potentially cost the store a sale. Choosing the best option for your site is crucial, as it depends on multiple variables.

Comparison Table of Methods

Method	Ease of Use	Technical Knowledge Required	Flexibility
Using a Plugin	Easy	Low	High
Editing the .htaccess File	Moderate	Medium	Medium
Customizing 404.php	Moderate	Medium	High

Why You Should Set Up a 404 Auto Redirect

• Improved User Experience: Redirecting users from a 404 page to relevant content keeps them engaged.
• SEO Benefits: Reducing the number of 404 errors can improve your site’s SEO performance.
• Lower Bounce Rates: Redirecting users can decrease bounce rates, which is beneficial for your site’s analytics.

Methods to Create a 404 Auto Redirect

There are several ways to set up a 404 auto-redirect in WordPress. We’ll cover the most common methods:

1. Using a Plugin
2. Editing the .htaccess File
3. Customizing the 404.php Template

1. Using a Plugin

One of the easiest ways to set up a 404 auto-redirect is by using a plugin. Here are some popular plugins you can use:

• Redirection
• 404 to 301
• All 404 Redirect to Homepage

Steps to Use the Redirection Plugin

1.Install and Activate the Plugin:

• Go to your WordPress dashboard.
• Navigate to Plugins > Add New.
• Search for “Redirection” and click Install Now.
• Activate the plugin.

2. Configure the Plugin:

• Go to Tools > Redirection.
• Follow the setup instructions.
• Add a new redirection by specifying the source URL (404 page) and the target URL (where you want to redirect).

2. Editing the .htaccess File**

If you prefer not to use a plugin, you can manually edit the .htaccess file. This method requires some technical knowledge.

Steps to Edit the .htaccess File

1. Access the .htaccess File:

• Use an FTP client or your hosting provider’s file manager to access your site’s root directory.
• Locate the .htaccess file.

2. Add Redirect Rules:

• Open the .htaccess file in a text editor.
• Add the following code to redirect all 404 errors to the homepage or a specific page:

   # Redirect all 404 errors to the homepage
   ErrorDocument 404 /index.php

• Save the changes and upload the file back to the server.

3. Customizing the 404.php Template

Another method is to customize the 404.php template in your theme. This method allows you to create a more personalized redirect experience.

Steps to Customize the 404.php Template

1.Locate the 404.php File:

• Go to Appearance > Theme Editor in your WordPress dashboard.
• Find the 404.php file in your theme’s directory.

2. Edit the 404.php File:

• Add the following PHP code to redirect users to the homepage or a specific page:

   <?php
   // Redirect to homepage
   wp_redirect(home_url());
   exit;
   ?>

• Save the changes.

Conclusion

Implementing a 404 auto-redirect in WordPress enhances user experience and site SEO. Using plugins,.htaccess files, or customizing 404.php templates, visitors are guided to relevant content, ensuring engagement and satisfaction.

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