404 Error Page (2024)

FAQs

What is an error 404 page? ›

A 404 error page (also known as “404 not found”) is an error message that is designed to appear when a website won't load. For example, if your website isn't loading or a user attempts to reach a non-existent page on the website, then the 404 error page is supposed to load instead and explain the problem.

A 404 error page should always include the following: A clear message that lets visitors know that the requested page doesn't exist. A call to action (CTA) that keeps users on your site or directs them where you want them to go. An introduction to your brand's voice through the page's text or images.

A 404 page is a landing page that tells your website viewers the page they requested to view is unavailable or, in some cases, doesn't exist. So instead of showing that user a blank page, a 404 page is shown instead to explain what's happened.

The HTTP specification suggests the phrase "Not Found" and many web servers by default issue an HTML page that includes both the 404 code and the "Not Found" phrase. A 404 error is often returned when pages have been moved or deleted.

The typical trigger for an error 404 message is when website content has been removed or moved to another URL. There are also other reasons why an error message could appear. These include: The URL or its content (such as files or images) was either deleted or moved (without adjusting any internal links accordingly)

Once there is content on the page, the 404 error will go away. Because the website server can now locate resources at that URL for serving to users. You might be able to populate content on the page by restoring backup content. Or you can always create new content by adding to the page.

Locate the “HTTP errors” category and click on it. Check the URLs that you wish to remove from Google's search results from the list of all the URLs that return a 404 error on your website. Click the “Request Removal” button on top of the page. A prompt will appear asking for a reason for the removal request.

A 404 page is what a user sees when they try to access a web page that does not exist. It can be frustrating for the user and bad for your website's reputation. But it doesn't have to be always that way. Custom error pages are great for addressing poor user experience caused by missing pages or by not found errors.

Why does Google say error 404? ›

If you see a 404 error for a specific URL in your Google Search Console account, it is because the URL is redirecting to a page that no longer exists.

A 404 error means that the page can't be found. Usually, this happens when the URL or its content was deleted or moved. 404 errors are bad for the user experience and bad for SEO — Google will classify your site as unreliable if it sees that a page that had previously existed is no longer available.

You can also find 404 page errors in your Google Search Console. Go into the “Index” section on the left-hand side menu and click on “Coverage”. Then click on “Excluded” and choose “Not found (404)” or “Soft 404” in the list to get the full list of 404 page errors Google has discovered.