404 Page Template
The 404 Page Template controls the error page visitors see when they try to access a URL that does not exist on your site.
Table of Contents
About the 404 Page
The 404 Page Template is used to help visitors recover when they land somewhere that no longer exists. Users can land on your 404 page by mistyping a URL, following an outdated link, or visiting a page that has been deleted, renamed, or moved. While a 404 page usually does not need frequent updates, it is still an important part of the site experience. A clear, helpful 404 page can reassure visitors, explain what happened, and give them a simple path forward.
A helpful 404 page usually includes:
- A brief, friendly message explaining that the page could not be found
- A search option so visitors can look for the content they expected
- A link back to the homepage or another useful starting point
- Simple, reassuring language that avoids blame or confusion
The goal is not to make the page elaborate. The goal is to help people get back on track quickly.
How to access the 404 Page template
The 404 Page Template is managed in the Site Editor. From the WordPress dashboard, go to Appearance → Editor
- Select Templates
- Find and select Page: 404
You are now editing the 404 Page Template.
Because this is a template, you are not editing a normal page from the Pages area of WordPress. You are editing the layout and content that appears whenever someone visits a missing or invalid URL on the site.
How this template is built
The 404 Page Template is built with blocks, just like standard page content. Depending on your site design, the template may include blocks such as:
- A Heading block for the main message
- Paragraph text to briefly explain what happened
- A Search block to help visitors find content
- A Button or link back to the homepage
- Layout blocks that control spacing and alignment
Keep the structure simple. A 404 page should be easy to understand at a glance and should give visitors a clear next step.
Editing the 404 page content
Use the block editor to adjust the content and design of the page as needed. Common edits include:
- Updating the main heading
- Rewriting the supporting message
- Adding, removing, or editing a search field
- Adding a link or button back to the homepage
- Adjusting spacing or layout to better match the site design
When editing, focus on clarity and usefulness. The message should be brief, gentle, and action-oriented.
For example:
Sorry, we couldn’t find that page. Try searching the site or head back to the homepage.
Previewing the 404 page
To view the 404 page on the front end, visit any URL on your site that does not exist. This is the best way to confirm the page looks and works as expected for visitors.
For example: https://mysite.com/nothing-here
Replace mysite.com with your actual site domain.
Saving and publishing changes
When you are finished editing the template, click Save.
Changes take effect immediately for the 404 page experience. After saving, visit a non-existent URL on the front end to review the updated template.
Tips for editors
Keep the message friendly
A 404 page is usually unexpected. Use calm, helpful language that explains what happened without making the visitor feel at fault.
Give visitors a next step
A good 404 page should not be a dead end. Include search, a homepage link, or another clear way to continue browsing.
Avoid overcomplicating the page
This page should be simple and functional. Most visitors are trying to recover from a broken path, not spend time on the error page itself.
Review it occasionally
The 404 page does not need frequent updates, but it is worth checking after major site changes, redesigns, or content migrations to make sure it still feels current and helpful.