How to Fix 301 Errors in WordPress
301 errors (permanent redirects) in WordPress can cause SEO issues and poor user experience if not handled properly. Here’s how to identify and fix them
Common Causes of 301 Errors in WordPress
Changed permalinks structure
Moved content to new URLs
Domain name changes
Plugin conflicts
Incorrect .htaccess redirects
Server configuration issues
Step-by-Step Fixes
1. Check for Unintentional 301 Redirects
Use tools like Screaming Frog SEO Spider or Redirect Mapper to scan your site
Check Google Search Console for crawl errors
2. Fix Permalink-Related 301s
Go to Settings > Permalinks
Choose your preferred structure (usually “Post name”)
Click “Save Changes” (this refreshes your .htaccess file)
3. Fix Redirects from Plugins
Deactivate plugins one by one to identify conflicts
Check settings in SEO plugins (Yoast, Rank Math, etc.) for redirect rules
Use a dedicated redirect plugin like “Redirection” to manage them properly
4. Edit .htaccess File (Advanced)
text
# Example: Redirect single page
Redirect 301 /old-page/ /new-page/
# Example: Redirect entire directory
RedirectMatch 301 /old-directory/(.*) /new-directory/$1
Always back up your .htaccess file before editing.
5. Fix Domain Change Redirects
If you’ve changed domains:
Set up proper 301 redirects in your .htaccess file
Update WordPress Address and Site Address in Settings > General
Search/replace old domain in database (use a plugin like “Better Search Replace”)
6. Check Server Configuration
Contact your host if you suspect server-level redirects
Verify there are no redirects in cPanel or other hosting control panels
Best Practices
Use 301 redirects only when permanently moving content
Keep redirect chains as short as possible
Update internal links to point to the new URLs
Monitor redirects in Google Search Console
Tools to Help
Redirection plugin for WordPress
Screaming Frog SEO Spider
Google Search Console
Chrome Developer Tools (Network tab)