Learn how to Repair the WordPress .htaccess File (Newbie’s Information)

Your web site’s .htaccess file is a tiny however vital file that runs behind the scenes and acts like a set of directions to your server.

The file tells the best way to deal with issues like permalinks and safety measures. Sadly, this file can get corrupted for varied causes, resulting in points like damaged hyperlinks or a white display screen of demise.

Our expertise within the WordPress business has taught us that modifying the file might be tough, particularly for inexperienced persons. However don’t fear, we’ll train you the best way to entry the file simply and make modifications to resolve any concern.

On this article, we’ll stroll you thru the best way to repair the WordPress .htaccess file.

Here’s a fast overview of the whole lot we are going to cowl on this information. You’ll be able to click on the hyperlinks beneath to leap to any part:

What Is the .htaccess File?

The .htaccess file is a hidden configuration file that performs an important position in how your WordPress web site operates. It’s primarily a set of directions for the Apache internet server, the software program that’s usually run by your WordPress internet hosting.

Considered one of its core features is creating user-friendly URLs to your weblog posts and pages. These are the clear and descriptive addresses you see in your browser bar as a substitute of lengthy, cryptic strings.

You may as well use a .htaccess file to arrange safety measures like password-protecting sure directories or blocking entry makes an attempt from suspicious IP addresses.

In addition to that, some plugins use .htaccess to implement caching, which may enhance your web site’s loading pace.

That stated, let’s take a look at a few of the indicators that’d inform your .htaccess file wants fixing.

Learn how to Inform If Your .htaccess File Is Corrupted

The .htaccess file may grow to be corrupted for a number of causes. It may very well be attributable to a plugin battle, unintended edits, or perhaps a server glitch.

Listed here are some indicators you may discover in your WordPress web site that recommend the .htaccess file is damaged:

Damaged hyperlinks: A damaged hyperlink happens when the consumer is just not taken anyplace, or they see unusual error messages.

White display screen of demise: That is when your web site shows nothing however a clean white display screen.

Plugins not working correctly: Some plugins depend on particular directions within the .htaccess file to perform accurately, however attributable to an error, they don’t carry out as they’re supposed.

Now, let’s take a look at other ways you possibly can entry and edit the .htaccess file in WordPress.

Learn how to Entry and Repair .htaccess File in WordPress

The .htaccess file is situated within the root listing of your web site. There are other ways to entry and edit the file.

For example, you should utilize the internet hosting supplier’s cPanel and entry the file utilizing the File Supervisor. You may as well connect with your web site utilizing an FTP shopper and think about completely different recordsdata and folders. One other approach is to make use of a plugin to view and edit the .htaccess file content material.

Let’s take a look at every of those strategies intimately.

1. Repair .htaccess File utilizing File Supervisor or FTP Consumer

When you’re unable to entry the WordPress dashboard, then you should utilize a File Supervisor or FTP service to find the .htaccess file.

To start out, you possibly can open cPanel of your WordPress internet hosting service. For instance, in Bluehost, you possibly can open the web site settings.

After that, you’ll want to modify to the ‘Superior’ tab.

From right here, scroll right down to the ‘cPanel’ possibility and click on the ‘Handle’ button.

As soon as the cPanel opens, you possibly can navigate to the ‘Information’ part.

Go forward and click on the ‘File Supervisor’ possibility.

Subsequent, you will notice completely different recordsdata and folders in your web site.

The .htaccess file is situated within the public_html folder. Merely open the folder from the menu on the left and scroll down to search out the .htaccess file.

You’ll be able to then right-click the .htaccess file and choose the ‘Edit’ possibility to repair any points.

Notice: When you can’t discover your .htaccess file, then see our information on the best way to discover the .htaccess file in WordPress.

Subsequent, a popup will open, warning you to again up the unique file earlier than modifying. Go forward and click on the ‘Edit’ button.

On the following display screen, you will notice the .htaccess file editor.

Right here, you may make modifications and repair the file. For instance, you possibly can examine for any typos, incorrect syntax, or incompatible code that may trigger errors.

Alternatively, utilizing an FTP (file switch protocol) shopper is another choice for accessing the file.

Yow will discover the file within the root listing. Merely right-click the .htaccess file and click on the ‘View/Edit’ possibility.

When you haven’t used FTP earlier than, then please see our information on the best way to use FTP to add recordsdata to WordPress.

Subsequent you possibly can edit the file in notepad software program in your pc.

When you’ve mounted the .htaccess file, you possibly can add it again to the basis listing utilizing the FTP service.

2. Repair the .htaccess File Utilizing a Plugin

When you’re capable of view the WordPress dashboard, then one other approach of accessing and modifying the .htaccess file is through the use of a plugin like All in One search engine optimization (AIOSEO).

It’s the finest search engine optimization plugin for WordPress. It helps you optimize your web site for search engines like google with none technical information. The plugin presents varied instruments, together with a robots.txt editor, a .htaccess editor, database instruments, and extra.

To start out, you’ll want to put in and activate the AIOSEO plugin. When you need assistance, then please see our information on the best way to set up a WordPress plugin.

Upon activation, you will notice the welcome display screen and AIOSEO setup wizard. Merely click on the ‘Let’s Get Began’ button and observe the onscreen directions.

For extra particulars, please see our information on the best way to arrange All in One search engine optimization for WordPress accurately.

Subsequent, you possibly can head to All in One search engine optimization » Instruments from the WordPress admin panel and swap to the ‘.htaccess Editor’ tab to edit the file’s contents.

When you’ve made modifications and glued the file, merely click on the ‘Save Adjustments’ button on the prime.

Widespread Points to Repair in WordPress .htaccess File

Now that you realize the place to search out the .htaccess file and the best way to edit it, let’s take a look at completely different points you possibly can repair within the file.

1. Fixing 500 Inside Server Error

A 500 inner server error in WordPress is a basic error message that signifies the server encountered an sudden downside and couldn’t fulfill your request. It’s like a cryptic message out of your web site saying one thing went mistaken, however it doesn’t give particular particulars about what.

The error message additionally seems completely different relying on the internet server software program (Nginx or Apache) your web site makes use of. For instance, right here’s the way it seems when utilizing Ngnix and Google Chrome.

This error might be attributable to a corrupted .htaccess file. You’ll be able to repair the error by changing the present file with a brand new one.

Merely entry your web site’s root folder utilizing an FTP shopper. Then, rename the present .htaccess file so it’s out there as a backup and WordPress can’t acknowledge it. After that, create a brand new file within the listing and title it a ‘.htaccess’ file.

Now, open the brand new file and edit it.

Go forward and enter the next code within the file:

For extra particulars, please see our full information on the best way to repair the five hundred inner server error in WordPress.

2. Fixing Error Too Many Redirects Situation

The ‘Error too many redirects’ often happens attributable to a misconfigured redirection concern in WordPress. This results in a redirection loop, and also you’ll see this error within the internet browser.

One of many to repair this concern is by resetting the .htaccess file within the root listing.

First, you’ll want to go to the basis listing of your web site utilizing an FTP shopper or File Supervisor. Subsequent, find the .htaccess file and delete it. Now, attempt visiting your web site to see if the redirect error is mounted.

Because you simply eliminated the .htacess file, you’ll have to recreate it. WordPress routinely creates one for you. To ensure it does, merely go to the Settings » Permalinks web page from the WordPress dashboard and click on the ‘Save Adjustments’ button on the backside.

To be taught extra methods to repair the difficulty, please see our information on the best way to repair error too many redirects concern in WordPress.

3. Fixing Posts Returning 404 Error

One other concern you possibly can repair by way of the .htaccess file is the posts returning 404 errors. Normally, a corrupted or lacking .htaccess file could cause this error.

To resolve this concern, you’ll have to replace the file from the basis listing and alter the file permissions. Merely find the file utilizing an FTP shopper, right-click the file, after which choose the ‘File permissions’ possibility.

Subsequent, you will notice completely different settings to alter for the .htaccess file.

Go forward and make the file writeable by altering its permissions and coming into ‘666’ into the ‘Numeric worth’ field. As soon as that’s executed, click on on the ‘OK’ button.

For extra methods to repair the difficulty and full steps, it’s possible you’ll need to see our information on the best way to repair WordPress posts returning 404 error.

There are various different errors that may happen in your web site, and also you may want to repair the .htaccess file. See our full record of the most typical WordPress errors and the best way to repair them.

Bonus: Rent a WordPress Help Company

Working with a .htaccess file might be tough as a result of it typically includes modifying code, and accessing the file might be traumatic for inexperienced persons.

That is the place a WordPress upkeep and help company may help you out. You’ll be able to rent WordPress specialists who can repair the .htaccess file and deal with the whole lot for you.

For instance, we provide Premium WordPress Help Companies. For a one-time payment, our specialists can repair errors and different points in your web site, together with issues with .htaccess.

Alternatively, in case you are in search of ongoing assist, then our WPBeginner Professional Upkeep Companies may very well be a greater match.

Now we have over 16 years of expertise, having helped 100,000+ customers with WordPress and fixing their websites.

Our staff of execs is out there 24/7 to make sure your web site features correctly. We are going to examine whether or not the .htaccess file is accurately configured or what must be mounted in order that your guests have an amazing web site expertise.

Additionally, you will get entry to core upkeep duties like backups, safety updates, plugin troubleshooting, theme customization, and on-demand help. 

You may as well get different companies to your WordPress web site. See our full record of WPBeginner Professional Companies.

Further Sources for the WordPress .htaccess File

Learn how to Cease WordPress From Overwriting .htaccess File

Learn how to Restrict Entry by IP to Your wp-login.php file in WordPress

Most Helpful .htaccess Tips for WordPress

Learn how to Redirect a Web page or URL in WordPress (2 Strategies)

Learn how to Repair Deadly Error: Most Execution Time Exceeded in WordPress

We hope this text helped you discover ways to repair the WordPress .htaccess file. You might also need to see our information on eCommerce upkeep suggestions and our professional choose of the finest WordPress help companies.

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