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

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

The file tells methods 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 enhancing the file could be difficult, particularly for freshmen. However don’t fear, we’ll train you methods to entry the file simply and make modifications to resolve any difficulty.

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

Here’s a fast overview of every part we are going to cowl on this information. You possibly can 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 a significant function in how your WordPress web site operates. It’s basically a set of directions for the Apache internet server, the software program that’s usually run by your WordPress internet hosting.

Certainly 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 an alternative of lengthy, cryptic strings.

It’s also possible to 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 velocity.

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

Methods to Inform If Your .htaccess File Is Corrupted

The .htaccess file may turn out to be corrupted for just a few causes. It may very well be as a result of a plugin battle, unintended edits, or perhaps a server glitch.

Listed below 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 person shouldn’t be 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 operate accurately, however as a result of an error, they don’t carry out as they’re meant.

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

Methods to Entry and Repair .htaccess File in WordPress

The .htaccess file is positioned within the root listing of your web site. There are alternative 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. It’s also possible to hook up with your web site utilizing an FTP consumer and think about totally different information 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

If you happen to’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 change 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 totally different information and folders in your web site.

The .htaccess file is positioned 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 possibly can then right-click the .htaccess file and choose the ‘Edit’ possibility to repair any points.

Word: If you happen to can’t discover your .htaccess file, then see our information on methods to discover the .htaccess file in WordPress.

Subsequent, a popup will open, warning you to again up the unique file earlier than enhancing. 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) consumer is another choice for accessing the file.

You’ll find the file within the root listing. Merely right-click the .htaccess file and click on the ‘View/Edit’ possibility.

If you happen to haven’t used FTP earlier than, then please see our information on methods to use FTP to add information to WordPress.

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

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

2. Repair the .htaccess File Utilizing a Plugin

If you happen to’re capable of view the WordPress dashboard, then one other approach of accessing and enhancing the .htaccess file is by utilizing a plugin like All in One website positioning (AIOSEO).

It’s the finest website positioning plugin for WordPress. It helps you optimize your web site for search engines like google with none technical data. The plugin gives 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. If you happen to need assistance, then please see our information on methods 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 comply with the onscreen directions.

For extra particulars, please see our information on methods to arrange All in One website positioning for WordPress accurately.

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

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

Frequent Points to Repair in WordPress .htaccess File

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

1. Fixing 500 Inner Server Error

A 500 inside server error in WordPress is a common 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 unsuitable, however it doesn’t give particular particulars about what.

The error message additionally seems to be totally 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 to be when utilizing Ngnix and Google Chrome.

This error could be attributable to a corrupted .htaccess file. You possibly can repair the error by changing the prevailing file with a brand new one.

Merely entry your web site’s root folder utilizing an FTP consumer. Then, rename the present .htaccess file so it’s accessible as a backup and WordPress can’t acknowledge it. After that, create a brand new file within the listing and identify 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 methods to repair the five hundred inside server error in WordPress.

2. Fixing Error Too Many Redirects Challenge

The ‘Error too many redirects’ normally happens as a result of a misconfigured redirection difficulty 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 difficulty is by resetting the .htaccess file within the root listing.

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

Because you simply eliminated the .htacess file, you’ll must recreate it. WordPress mechanically 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 Modifications’ button on the backside.

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

3. Fixing Posts Returning 404 Error

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

To resolve this difficulty, you’ll must replace the file from the foundation listing and alter the file permissions. Merely find the file utilizing an FTP consumer, right-click the file, after which choose the ‘File permissions’ possibility.

Subsequent, you will notice totally different settings to vary for the .htaccess file.

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

For extra methods to repair the difficulty and full steps, you could need to see our information on methods to repair WordPress posts returning 404 error.

There are lots of different errors that may happen in your web site, and also you may want to repair the .htaccess file. See our full checklist of the commonest WordPress errors and methods to repair them.

Bonus: Rent a WordPress Assist Company

Working with a .htaccess file could be difficult as a result of it generally includes enhancing code, and accessing the file could be aggravating for freshmen.

That is the place a WordPress upkeep and help company may also help you out. You possibly can rent WordPress specialists who can repair the .htaccess file and deal with every part for you.

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

Alternatively, if you’re searching for ongoing assist, then our WPBeginner Professional Upkeep Providers may very well be a greater match.

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

Our workforce of execs is accessible 24/7 to make sure your web site features correctly. We’ll examine whether or not the .htaccess file is accurately configured or what must be fastened in order that your guests have an ideal web site expertise.

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

It’s also possible to get different companies to your WordPress web site. See our full checklist of WPBeginner Professional Providers.

Extra Assets for the WordPress .htaccess File

We hope this text helped you learn to repair the WordPress .htaccess file. You might also need to see our information on eCommerce upkeep ideas and our skilled choose of one of the best WordPress help businesses.

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