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

The file tells 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 of demise.

Our expertise within the WordPress trade has taught us that modifying the file could be difficult, particularly for freshmen. However don’t fear, we’ll educate you entry the file simply and make adjustments to resolve any subject.

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

Here’s a fast overview of every little thing we’ll cowl on this information. You may 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 net server, the software program that’s sometimes run by your WordPress internet hosting.

Considered one of its core features is creating user-friendly URLs in 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 too can use a .htaccess file to arrange safety measures like password-protecting sure directories or blocking entry makes an attempt from suspicious IP addresses.

Apart from that, some plugins use .htaccess to implement caching, which may enhance your web site’s loading velocity.

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

Find out how to Inform If Your .htaccess File Is Corrupted

The .htaccess file may develop into corrupted for a couple of causes. It may very well be resulting from a plugin battle, unintentional edits, or perhaps a server glitch.

Listed here are some indicators you may discover in your WordPress web site that counsel 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 of demise: That is when your web site shows nothing however a clean white display.
• Plugins not working correctly: Some plugins depend on particular directions within the .htaccess file to perform appropriately, however resulting from an error, they don’t carry out as they’re supposed.

Now, let’s take a look at alternative ways you’ll be able to entry and edit the .htaccess file in WordPress.

Find out how to Entry and Repair .htaccess File in WordPress

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

For example, you need to use the internet hosting supplier’s cPanel and entry the file utilizing the File Supervisor. You too can hook up with your web site utilizing an FTP shopper and consider totally different information and folders. One other means 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

Should you’re unable to entry the WordPress dashboard, then you need to use a File Supervisor or FTP service to find the .htaccess file.

To start out, you’ll be able to open cPanel of your WordPress internet hosting service. For instance, in Bluehost, you’ll be able to open the web site settings.

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

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

As soon as the cPanel opens, you’ll be able to navigate to the ‘Recordsdata’ part.

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

Subsequent, you will note totally different information 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 may then right-click the .htaccess file and choose the ‘Edit’ possibility to repair any points.

Notice: Should you can’t discover your .htaccess file, then see our information on 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 subsequent display, you will note the .htaccess file editor.

Right here, you may make adjustments and repair the file. For instance, you’ll be able to 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.

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

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

Subsequent you’ll be able to edit the file in notepad software program in your laptop.

When you’ve fastened the .htaccess file, you’ll be able to add it again to the foundation listing utilizing the FTP service.

2. Repair the .htaccess File Utilizing a Plugin

Should you’re in a position to view the WordPress dashboard, then one other means of accessing and modifying the .htaccess file is through the use of a plugin like All in One SEO (AIOSEO).

It’s the finest search engine optimization plugin for WordPress. It helps you optimize your web site for search engines like google and yahoo with none technical information. The plugin provides 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. Should you need assistance, then please see our information on set up a WordPress plugin.

Upon activation, you will note the welcome display 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 arrange All in One search engine optimization for WordPress appropriately.

Subsequent, you’ll be able to 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 adjustments and stuck the file, merely click on the ‘Save Modifications’ button on the prime.

Frequent Points to Repair in WordPress .htaccess File

Now that you realize the place to search out the .htaccess file and edit it, let’s take a look at totally different points you’ll be able to repair within the file.

1. Fixing 500 Inner Server Error

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

The error message additionally appears to be like 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 appears to be like when utilizing Ngnix and Google Chrome.

This error could be attributable to a corrupted .htaccess file. You may repair the error by changing the prevailing 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 obtainable 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:

# BEGIN WordPress
<IfModule mod_rewrite.c>
RewriteEngine On
RewriteBase /
RewriteRule ^index.php$ - [L]
RewriteCond %{REQUEST_FILENAME} !-f
RewriteCond %{REQUEST_FILENAME} !-d
RewriteRule . /index.php [L]
</IfModule>
# END WordPress

For extra particulars, please see our full information on repair the five hundred inside server error in WordPress.

2. Fixing Error Too Many Redirects Problem

The ‘Error too many redirects’ normally happens resulting from a misconfigured redirection subject in WordPress. This results in a redirection loop, and also you’ll see this error within the net browser.

One of many to repair this subject 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 shopper 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 robotically 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 study extra methods to repair the problem, please see our information on repair error too many redirects subject in WordPress.

3. Fixing Posts Returning 404 Error

One other subject you’ll be able to 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 subject, you’ll must replace the file from the foundation 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 note totally different settings to vary 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 problem and full steps, you might need to see our information on repair WordPress posts returning 404 error.

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

Bonus: Rent a WordPress Help Company

Working with a .htaccess file could be difficult as a result of it typically includes modifying code, and accessing the file could be anxious for freshmen.

That is the place a WordPress upkeep and help company might help you out. You may rent WordPress consultants who can repair the .htaccess file and deal with every little thing for you.

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

Alternatively, in case you are on the lookout for ongoing assist, then our WPBeginner Professional Upkeep Providers 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 crew of pros is offered 24/7 to make sure your web site features correctly. We’ll examine whether or not the .htaccess file is appropriately configured or what must be fastened in order that your guests have a fantastic 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 too can get different companies in your WordPress web site. See our full listing of WPBeginner Professional Providers.

Further 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 suggestions and our skilled choose of the very best WordPress help businesses.

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