How to create a custom 404 page in WordPress

What is a 404 error?

A 404 error means "page not found". It appears when someone types a wrong address or follows an old link. A plain error page makes people leave. A good one helps them find what they want.

What to put on the page

• A short, kind message
• A search box
• A link to your home page
• Links to your popular pages

Method 1: Block theme editor

Newer themes, called block themes, let you design the 404 page without code.

1. Log in to your WordPress dashboard.
2. Go to Appearance and then Editor.
3. Open Templates.
4. Click the 404 template. If there is none, click Add New Template and pick Page: 404.
5. Change the text and add blocks, such as a search block and buttons.
6. Click Save.

Method 2: Edit the theme file

Older themes use a file called 404.php. A child theme is a small add-on theme that keeps your changes safe when the main theme updates. Make one first, and take a backup.

1. Open File Manager in your hosting control panel.

   

   

2. Go to wp-content/themes/your-child-theme.
3. Copy 404.php from the main theme into this folder. If none exists, create a new file with that name.
4. Open the file with the editor.
5. Add your own content, like the example below.
6. Save the file and test it.

   

   

<?php get_header(); ?>
<h1>Oops! We cannot find that page.</h1>
<p>Try searching, or go back to the home page.</p>
<?php get_search_form(); ?>
<a href="/">Go to the home page</a>
<?php get_footer(); ?>

This shows the site header, a message, a search box, a link and the footer.

Method 3: Use a plugin

A plugin is an add-on for WordPress. Several plugins let you design a 404 page with a visual builder. Install one from Plugins, then Add New, and follow its settings.

Test it

1. Open a new browser tab.
2. Type your site address followed by a made-up word, such as /no-such-page.
3. Check that your new page shows.

Quick recap

• A 404 page shows when a page is missing.

  

• Edit the 404 template or the 404.php file.
• Add a message, search box and links.
• Use a child theme and test the result.