How to Fix the WordPress htaccess File: Step-by-Step Guide

As a WordPress user, one file you’ll hear a lot about is the htaccess file. It’s crucial for managing your website’s URLs, enhancing security, and improving overall performance. But if you’re here, you’ve probably run into an issue with it. 

Don’t worry, I’ve been there too! Fixing the htaccess file can be intimidating, but trust me, it’s simpler than it seems. Let’s dive into how to fix the WordPress htaccess file step-by-step.

What is the htaccess File?

Before we jump into fixing the .htaccess file, it’s important to understand what it does. The htaccess file is a configuration file used by Apache servers to control how your website behaves. This file is responsible for controlling permalinks, redirects, and even website security. 

If this file gets corrupted, it can lead to problems like 404 errors, site downtime, or a broken website. That’s why knowing how to fix the .htaccess file in WordPress is so important.

Common Reasons for htaccess File Issues

Here’s where things get real. I’ve encountered several reasons why this file gets corrupted, and I’ll break down the most common issues:

  • Plugin Conflicts: Installing or updating a new plugin can sometimes overwrite your htaccess settings, causing errors.
  • Theme Changes: Changing or updating your theme can also modify the file’s contents.
  • Manual Edits Gone Wrong: If you or a developer made manual changes to the htaccess file and missed something, it could disrupt your website.
  • Malware or Hacks: Unfortunately, a hacked website can result in a corrupted .htaccess file, causing major issues.
How to Fix the WordPress htaccess File

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Fix the WordPress htaccess File

Now that you know what could go wrong, let’s go through how I’ve fixed it multiple times. Here’s a foolproof way to get your .htaccess file back in working order.

1. Backup Your Website

Before doing anything else, make sure to back up your entire website. I always recommend this step because, in case something goes wrong, you’ll have a fallback. You can use plugins like UpdraftPlus or Duplicator to make this easy.

2. Access Your Website Files via FTP

To edit the .htaccess file, you’ll need access to your website files. I usually use an FTP client like FileZilla or access through the hosting provider’s File Manager.

Here’s how to access your files using FTP:

  1. Open your FTP client.
  2. Enter your FTP credentials (host, username, password).
  3. Navigate to the root directory of your website. It’s usually in the public_html folder.

3. Locate the .htaccess File

Once you’re in the root directory, look for the .htaccess file. If you don’t see it right away, it might be hidden. Make sure to enable the option to show hidden files in your FTP client.

  • FileZilla Tip: Go to “Server” → “Force Showing Hidden Files.”
How to Fix the WordPress htaccess File

4. Download and Inspect the .htaccess File

Before making any changes, download the current .htaccess file to your local machine as a backup. Open it in a plain text editor (I use Notepad++ for this) and check for any unfamiliar code or anything out of the ordinary.

If the code looks unfamiliar or messy, you can try simplifying it by removing unnecessary lines. Here’s the default .htaccess code for WordPress:

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

If your file differs significantly from this, it might be the root of the issue.

5. Delete the Corrupted .htaccess File (Optional)

  1. In your FTP client, right-click the .htaccess file.
  2. Select “Delete.”

If you can’t pinpoint the exact issue in the code, you can delete the .htaccess file altogether. WordPress will automatically generate a new one for you.

Don’t worry, this won’t break your site!

6. Regenerate the .htaccess File from WordPress Dashboard

Once you’ve either cleaned up the file or deleted it, you’ll need to regenerate a new .htaccess file through the WordPress dashboard.

Here’s how:

  1. Go to your WordPress dashboard.
  2. Navigate to SettingsPermalinks.
  3. Without making any changes, scroll down and click Save Changes.

This simple action will create a fresh .htaccess file with the default settings.

7. Test Your Website

After fixing the file, always make sure to test your website. Check the homepage and a few other pages to confirm everything is working smoothly. If something still seems off, go back to your .htaccess file and recheck for errors or consult with your hosting provider.

How to Fix the WordPress htaccess File

Bonus Tips to Prevent Future .htaccess Issues

Over the years, I’ve learned a few tips that help prevent .htaccess problems in the future:

  1. Avoid Manual Edits: Unless you know what you’re doing, try not to manually edit the .htaccess file. Most things can be managed via plugins.
  2. Use Security Plugins: Install security plugins like Wordfence or Sucuri to avoid malware or hack attempts that can mess with your .htaccess file.
  3. Regular Backups: Make sure you back up your website regularly so that, if something does go wrong, you can restore it quickly.

Conclusion

Learning how to fix the WordPress .htaccess file is an essential skill for any WordPress user. While it can feel daunting at first, it’s actually quite manageable once you know the steps. 

I’ve been through several .htaccess headaches, and following this guide has always worked for me. Just remember to back up your files and follow the steps carefully. If you’re still unsure, don’t hesitate to consult a professional or your hosting provider. Happy fixing!

FAQ’s about How to Fix the WordPress .htaccess File

What happens if I delete the .htaccess file?

If you delete the .htaccess file, WordPress will automatically generate a new one when you resave the permalink settings. However, any custom settings in your previous file will be lost.

How do I know if my .htaccess file is causing problems?

Typical signs include 404 errors on your website, internal server errors, or broken permalinks. Checking and fixing the .htaccess file can often resolve these issues.

Can a plugin corrupt the .htaccess file?

Yes, plugins—especially those related to security, redirects, or SEO—can alter your .htaccess file, which might lead to corruption if not handled properly.

Do I need a plugin to fix the .htaccess file?

No, you don’t necessarily need a plugin to fix the .htaccess file. You can do it manually through FTP, as outlined above, but there are plugins like Yoast SEO that can assist in managing .htaccess settings.

How do I back up the .htaccess file?

You can easily back up the .htaccess file by downloading it via FTP and storing it locally on your computer. Always do this before making any changes to the file.

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