404 Error Page (2024)

FAQs

What is a 404 page error? ›

The 404 code means that a server could not find a client-requested webpage. Variations of the error message include "404 Error," "404 Page Not Found" and "The requested URL was not found." This 404 error page shows the user the error code, what it means and potential ways to navigate around it.

The 404 Not Found error might appear for several reasons even though no real issue exists, so sometimes a simple refresh will often load the page you were looking for. Check for errors in the URL. Often times this error appears because the URL was typed wrong or the link selected points to the wrong URL.

In general, a 404 Error indicates that the browser or application attempted to connect to a resource on a server that could not be found.

Understand the Error

A 404 error means that the server cannot find the requested URL. A 410 error means that the resource requested is no longer available. Essentially, the page has been deleted. A 429 error means the user has sent too many requests in a specific timeframe.

The typical trigger for an error 404 message is when website content has been removed or moved to another URL. There are also other reasons why an error message could appear. These include: The URL or its content (such as files or images) was either deleted or moved (without adjusting any internal links accordingly)

A 404 error message means that a resource (webpage) no longer exists. If you see a 404 error for a specific URL in your Google Search Console account, it is because the URL is redirecting to a page that no longer exists. This may occur if the page was deleted, or the page URL was changed.

The HTTP specification suggests the phrase "Not Found" and many web servers by default issue an HTML page that includes both the 404 code and the "Not Found" phrase. A 404 error is often returned when pages have been moved or deleted.

Despite the hard work the website owner put into creating it. But 404 errors aren't always bad. In fact, they can help search engines appropriately index and rank your pages.

How to clear error code 404? ›

Error 404 is a client-side issue indicating the requested URL can't be found on the server. It may occur because of several reasons, such as the domain is not pointed correctly, a broken . htaccess file, or misconfigured file permissions.

A 404 page is also known as an “error page” or “Page Not Found” page. This page indicates that the user reached the domain they requested, but the URL path provided no information. If that sentence made your eyes glaze over, you're not alone.

0: General syntax error, meaning URL misspelled. 4: Specific error in the group of 40x. Where does it come from? It was believed that 404 came from a room at CERN (European Organization of Nuclear Research) where the original web servers were located.

Recheck the URL to ensure you entered the correct website address in the search bar. Use another device. Access the website using another web browser or machine. If it works, try clearing the previous device's cache and cookies one more time.

Provide a clear message. The 404 page exists to provide users with information and redirect them to another page. So, make sure that the information on the page is easy to read and understand. You're letting the user know what went wrong so they can try again to find whatever it is that they are looking for.

A 404 error page should always include the following: A clear message that lets visitors know that the requested page doesn't exist. A call to action (CTA) that keeps users on your site or directs them where you want them to go. An introduction to your brand's voice through the page's text or images.

You'll see this error if you visited a site or page that doesn't exist, or that you don't have permission to see.