Fix WordPress Permalink Issues: Links Not Working After Change

Published On - November 20, 2024

Ava Taylor WordPress
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WordPress permalinks are essential for ensuring a clean and SEO-friendly URL structure on your website. However, issues with permalinks can arise, especially after making changes, leaving your site with broken links and a frustrating user experience. In this guide, we’ll explore common causes of permalink problems and practical solutions to fix them.

What Are Permalinks in WordPress?

Permalinks are the permanent URLs for your WordPress pages, posts, categories, and other content types. They define how your links appear in the browser’s address bar and are crucial for both usability and search engine optimization (SEO).

Common permalink structures in WordPress include:

  • Plain: https://example.com/?p=123
  • Day and Name: https://example.com/2024/11/20/sample-post/
  • Post Name: https://example.com/sample-post/

While you can modify permalink settings to suit your needs, changes can sometimes lead to issues like “404 Page Not Found” errors or broken links.

Why Permalink Issues Occur

Permalink issues typically occur due to:

  1. Changes in Permalink Structure: Modifying the permalink settings without updating the underlying configurations can result in broken links.
  2. Cache Conflicts: Cached pages with old URLs may not reflect the new permalink structure.
  3. Missing or Corrupted .htaccess File: For Apache servers, WordPress relies on this file to manage permalink rules.
  4. Server Settings: Some server configurations may not support certain permalink structures.
  5. Plugin Conflicts: Certain plugins, especially those that modify URLs, can interfere with permalink functionality.

How to Fix WordPress Permalink Issues

1. Flush Permalink Settings

Flushing your permalinks often resolves simple issues.

  • Go to Settings > Permalinks in your WordPress dashboard.
  • Re-select your preferred permalink structure (even if it’s already selected).
  • Click the Save Changes button to regenerate the permalink rules.

This action updates the .htaccess file or its equivalent in non-Apache environments.

2. Check and Restore the .htaccess File

For Apache servers, a missing or corrupted .htaccess file can break permalinks.

  • Use an FTP client or your hosting file manager to locate the .htaccess file in the root directory of your WordPress installation.
  • If the file is missing, create a new one with the following default WordPress rules:
    plaintext
    # 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
  • Save the file and ensure it has the correct permissions (usually 644).

3. Clear Your Cache

If you use a caching plugin, such as WP Super Cache or W3 Total Cache, old cached versions of your pages might conflict with the updated permalinks. Clear the cache from your plugin settings. Additionally, clear your browser cache to ensure you’re seeing the latest version of your site.

4. Check Server Compatibility

Permalinks rely on your server’s URL rewriting capabilities. Ensure the following:

  • For Apache Servers: The mod_rewrite module must be enabled. Contact your hosting provider if unsure.
  • For NGINX Servers: Update the NGINX configuration file with appropriate rewrite rules. For example:
    plaintext
    location / {
    try_files $uri $uri/ /index.php?$args;
    }

Restart the server after making changes.

5. Deactivate Plugins to Rule Out Conflicts

Certain plugins can interfere with permalinks. To test for plugin conflicts:

  • Deactivate all plugins via the Plugins menu.
  • Check if permalinks work correctly. If they do, reactivate plugins one by one to identify the culprit.
  • Once identified, consider replacing the conflicting plugin or contacting its developer for support.

6. Update WordPress and Plugins

Outdated WordPress installations or plugins can introduce compatibility issues. Make sure your WordPress core, theme, and plugins are up-to-date.

7. Use a Permalink Redirection Plugin

If you’ve changed your permalink structure and don’t want to lose traffic from old URLs, use a redirection plugin such as Redirection or 301 Redirects to forward users from old links to the new ones.

Preventing Future Permalink Issues

  1. Test Changes in a Staging Environment: Before making permalink changes on a live site, test them in a staging environment to avoid unexpected issues.
  2. Backup Your Website: Always back up your site before making structural changes to prevent data loss.
  3. Monitor for Broken Links: Use tools like Google Search Console or a broken link checker plugin to identify and fix any broken links after making changes.

Conclusion

Fixing WordPress permalink issues doesn’t have to be daunting. By systematically addressing potential causes—flushing permalinks, restoring the .htaccess file, clearing caches, and addressing server settings—you can resolve most problems quickly. For complex issues, consult your hosting provider or a WordPress expert to ensure your site remains functional and SEO-friendly.