Here are some steps you can take to fix a 404 error on Google Search Console
- Check the URL: Make sure that the URL you are trying to access is spelled correctly and is properly formatted.
- Check for typos: If the URL is correct, try searching for the page again with a different web browser or device to see if the error persists.
- Check the website’s server: If the error persists, there may be an issue with the website’s server. Contact the website’s administrator or hosting provider for assistance.
- Check for redirects: If the URL has been moved or has changed, there may be a redirect in place. Check the website’s redirects to make sure they are set up correctly.
- Check for malware: If the website has been hacked or infected with malware, it could be causing the 404 error. Scan the website for malware and remove any infected files.
- Submit a sitemap: If you have recently made changes to your website or added new pages, it may be helpful to submit a sitemap to Google Search Console. This will help Google discover and index any new pages on your website.
- Fetch as Google: You can use the “Fetch as Google” tool in Search Console to see how Google crawls your website and to troubleshoot any crawl errors.
- Check your robots.txt file: The robots.txt file can prevent Google from crawling certain pages on your website. Make sure that the pages you want to be indexed are not blocked by the robots.txt file.
- Check for broken links: If the 404 error is caused by a broken link on your website, you can use a tool like Screaming Frog to find and fix any broken links.
By following these steps, you should be able to fix a 404 error on Google Search Console. If you are still having trouble, it may be helpful to consult with a website developer or a technical SEO specialist for further assistance.Regenerate response
What Causes the 404 Error Message?
There are several reasons why a 404 error message may be displayed:The page has been deleted or moved: If the page you are trying to access has been deleted or moved to a new URL, you will see a 404 error message.
- The URL is typed incorrectly: If the URL is typed incorrectly, the server will not be able to find the page and will display a 404 error message.
- The website’s server is down: If the website’s server is down or experiencing technical issues, a 404 error message may be displayed.
- The website has been removed or is no longer active: If the website has been removed or is no longer active, a 404 error message will be displayed.
- There is a problem with the website’s redirects: If the website’s redirects are not set up correctly, a 404 error message may be displayed.
- The website has been hacked or infected with malware: If the website has been hacked or infected with malware, it may cause the server to display a 404 error message.
- The website’s robots.txt file is blocking access to the page: If the page you are trying to access is blocked by the website’s robots.txt file, you will see a 404 error message.
- There are broken links on the website: If there are broken links on the website, it can cause the server to display a 404 error message.
By identifying the cause of the 404 error message, you can take the appropriate steps to fix the issue and restore access to the page.
Why Are 404 Errors Bad for Websites?
- Loss of traffic: When a user encounters a 404 error, they are likely to leave the website and may not return. This can lead to a loss of traffic and potential customers.
- Poor user experience: 404 errors can create a frustrating and negative user experience, which may discourage users from returning to the website.
- Damage to the website’s reputation: If a website has a high number of 404 errors, it can damage the website’s reputation and credibility.
- Negative impact on search engine rankings: 404 errors can also negatively impact a website’s search engine rankings. When search engines crawl a website and encounter a 404 error, they may not index the page, which can hurt the website’s visibility in search results.