What’s exactly a 404 error?
A 404 error is also widely considered a “page not found” error. As that name suggests (page not found), it happens when a page is not found on the website.
This issue typically arises when a website’s server cannot locate the requested page.
Is your WooCommerce store giving you a 404 error? Then you have to face it up. Take action and repair it immediately!
How can you determine the reasons behind a – 404 error”?
Several factors could trigger this error. I have shared some possible reasons for a 404 error in any WooCommerce store. You will also find step-by-step instructions here for fixing them.
Note: Always make sure that the website is completely backed up before you follow or attempt the steps in this blog post. If in case you do not know how to do the steps given here, I strongly advise you to engage a WooCommerce specialist.
Reason#1: Permalink Structure Issues
A WordPress/WooCommerce website depends greatly on WordPress permalinks (URL structure) to produce page URLs. Misconfiguration or updating the settings of the permalink may lead to a 404 error.
How to fix: Regenerate Permalinks
The most common and usually simple way to fix 404 errors on WooCommerce product pages is to regenerate permalinks. This is how you can perform this task:
- Log in to your WordPress dashboard.
- Go to Settings > Permalinks.
- Without making any changes, click the Save Changes button.
This action will cause the WordPress system to regenerate its permalink structure and refresh the product URLs. Many web developers recommend starting with this step, as it often solves the problem.
Reason #2: Plugin Conflicts
Often, plugins that don’t play well together can mess up how WooCommerce product pages work. Some SEO plugins, for example, could cause changes in the URL structure or create conflicts.
How to fix: Check for Plugin Conflicts
Plugin conflicts are another major source of WooCommerce 404 errors. To check for conflicts, follow these steps:
- Deactivate all plugins except WooCommerce.
- Check if the 404 error still appears on product pages.
- If the problem goes away, turn your plugins back on one by one to figure out which plugin is behind the issue.
If you’re not sure how to handle this part, getting help from a WordPress expert or a web pro who knows WooCommerce can save you time and hassle.
Reason #3: Cache Problems
Sometimes, cached versions of the website can retain outdated URL structures, which leads to a 404 error.
How to fix:
Caching problems from browser caches and caching plugins can cause 404 errors. Here’s how to fix it:
Suppose you’re using a caching plug-in, such as “W3 Total Cache. ” Clearing the cache is the best thing.
Also, you can clear your browser cache or check the website in an incognito window to see if the error is still present.
Reason #4: WooCommerce Updates
Routine upgrades to WooCommerce or WordPress core files might alter the way product pages are displayed or handled causing product page links to stop working.
How to fix:
- Go to Dashboard > Updates and check if updates are available.
- Update WooCommerce and WordPress to their latest versions.
- Restore a Backup
If all else fails, consider restoring a previous site backup when the product pages were working correctly. This should be your last resort, as it could undo recent changes or updates.
Reason #5: Check Theme Compatibility
If your WordPress theme is not a WooCommerce-compatible theme, it can also cause a “404 issue”. Here’s how to troubleshoot this:
- Switch to a default WordPress theme like Twenty Twenty-Three.
- Check if the 404 error is resolved on the product pages.
If changing themes fixes the problem, it means your theme is causing the issue. In this situation, you need to get in touch with your eCommerce developer. They can solve the problem by switching the theme and tweaking the template files as needed.