Fixing broken permalinks after a WordPress migration is crucial to avoid 404 errors, SEO issues, and user frustration. Here’s how you can quickly resolve the problem:
- Reset Permalinks: Switch to ‘Plain’ in Settings > Permalinks and then back to your preferred structure.
- Search & Replace URLs: Use the Better Search Replace plugin to update old URLs in the database.
- Repair
.htaccessFile: Replace it with the default WordPress code if it’s corrupted. - Check for Redirect Loops: Clear cache, verify SSL setup, and ensure WordPress URL settings match.
Quick Tools Comparison
| Tool/Method | Purpose | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Broken Link Checker | Detect broken links | Cloud/local scans, minimal server impact |
| Better Search Replace | Update URLs in the database | Dry run, backups, serialized data support |
| Permalink Manager Pro | Manage permalinks | Auto redirects, WooCommerce support |
How to Fix Broken Absolute Links After Moving to a New Domain
How to Find Broken Permalinks
Tracking down broken permalinks after a WordPress migration requires a blend of tools and techniques.
WordPress Link Checker Plugins
WordPress plugins are a go-to solution for spotting broken permalinks. One popular option is Broken Link Checker, which boasts over 700,000 active users [3] and 17 million downloads [4]. It offers two scanning engines:
| Feature | Cloud Engine | Local Engine |
|---|---|---|
| Speed | 20x faster | Standard |
| Resource Usage | Minimal server impact | Uses site resources |
| Scan Limits | Unlimited | Server dependent |
| Performance Impact | Negligible | May affect site speed |
Another option is Broken Link Checker by AIOSEO, which functions as a SaaS tool. Since it runs on AIOSEO’s servers, it avoids server IP blocking and reduces hosting resource strain [5]. The free version allows up to 200 internal link scans per month.
If plugins aren’t your preference, external tools can also help.
Site Audit Tools
External site audit tools like Ahrefs and Seahawk’s Broken Links Tool are excellent for scanning your entire site. They provide a detailed view of broken permalinks, making it easier to address issues across your site structure.
Check Links Manually
For a hands-on approach, you can manually verify links by following these steps:
- Open your browser’s Developer Tools (press F12).
- Go to the Console tab.
- Visit your site’s pages and look for 404 errors or failed requests.
- Cross-check links using your sitemap to ensure they work as expected.
This manual method is useful for quick checks without relying on automated tools.
"This tool is a lifesaver in a handful of ways on large multisites especially. I’ve used it to correct broken links (hundreds at a time), to migrate from one shortcode to another and much more." [6]
Once you’ve identified broken permalinks, you’re ready to move on to fixing them.
Steps to Fix Broken Permalinks
Here’s how you can restore your site’s URL structure and fix common issues like 404 errors.
Reset WordPress Permalinks After Migration
Resetting your permalinks is one of the quickest ways to resolve 404 errors caused by a migration or changes in your site’s URL structure [8]. Here’s how to do it:
- Go to your WordPress dashboard and navigate to Settings > Permalinks.
- Take note of your current permalink structure.
- Select the ‘Plain’ option and click Save Changes.
- Switch back to your original permalink structure and save changes again.
- Clear your browser cache to ensure the updates take effect.
Fix URLs with Search and Replace
If your URLs need updating after a domain change, the Better Search Replace plugin is a reliable tool for modifying database entries safely [9].
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Dry Run | Lets you preview changes before applying them. |
| Backup Creation | Automatically backs up your database. |
| Serialized Data | Handles complex data structures without errors. |
| Multi-site Support | Works across WordPress network sites. |
To use it effectively:
- Start by creating a full database backup.
- Use the Dry Run feature to preview the changes.
- Double-check the search and replace strings for accuracy.
- Proceed carefully with the replacement.
After updating URLs, check your .htaccess file to ensure everything is working smoothly.
Fix the .htaccess File
A damaged or incorrectly configured .htaccess file can also cause permalink issues [10]. You can fix it by creating a new default file. Follow these steps:
-
Back up your current .htaccess file and replace it with the default WordPress code:
# 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 - Set the file permissions to 644. This ensures WordPress can read the file while keeping it secure [7].
These steps should resolve most permalink-related problems on your WordPress site.
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Common Permalink Errors and Solutions
After a site migration, two common issues that can disrupt access are redirect loops and a damaged .htaccess file.
Fix Redirect Loops
Redirect loops occur when URLs keep redirecting endlessly, causing browsers to fail at loading the page [11]. Each browser displays this issue differently:
| Browser | Error Message |
|---|---|
| Chrome | "This webpage has a redirect loop problem" |
| Firefox | "The page isn’t redirecting properly" |
| Safari | "Safari can’t open the page because too many redirects occurred" |
Here’s how to address redirect loops:
-
Clear Site Cache and Cookies
Delete the cache from both your browser and WordPress site. -
Verify SSL Configuration
Double-check your SSL certificate setup, especially if you’ve switched to HTTPS [11]. -
Check URL Settings
Ensure the WordPress Address and Site Address match in your hosting settings [12].
If the problem persists, the .htaccess file may be corrupted.
Fix a Damaged .htaccess File
A corrupted .htaccess file can lead to various permalink problems [13]. Shivani M, a technical expert at BlogVault, explains:
"Signs of a corrupted .htaccess file include frequent errors and slow performance. Recreate the file using the default code and back up your site regularly for quick recovery" [13].
Symptoms of a corrupted .htaccess file include:
- Frequent 404 errors
- 500 internal server errors
- Slow page loading
- Endless redirections
- Broken links
To fix this, back up the current .htaccess file and replace its content with the default WordPress code. If you have custom rules, reapply them one at a time, testing your site after each change [13].
WP Winners Support Resources
WP Winners provides tools and guides to help resolve permalink issues after migration. These resources work hand-in-hand with the steps mentioned earlier, ensuring a smoother migration process. By combining these tools with the fixes already discussed, you can effectively address permalink challenges.
WP Winners WordPress Tools and Guides
WP Winners highlights Permalink Manager Pro – rated 4.7/5 – as a reliable plugin for managing permalinks during and after migration [14]. This plugin offers features tailored for migration needs:
| Feature | How It Helps During Migration |
|---|---|
| Automated URL Redirects | Redirects old URLs to the new ones effortlessly |
| Custom Post Type Support | Keeps URL structures consistent across all content types |
| WooCommerce Integration | Simplifies product URLs by removing "/product/" prefixes |
| Multi-language Support | Works seamlessly with WPML and Polylang for multilingual sites |
For example, an e-commerce site successfully restructured thousands of product URLs using the plugin’s automated tools, retaining their SEO performance [15].
"Well developed plugin with no extra bloat… Great support and well knowledgeable developer!" [14]
"I just installed and intuitively solved all my WooCommerce permalinks issues. Thank you so much for this plugin!" [16]
If you’re dealing with a complex migration, Permalink Manager Pro is a solid choice. For simpler edits, Permalink Manager Lite can do the job. Both versions are compatible with popular SEO tools like Yoast SEO [14][15].
Wrapping It Up
Fixing broken permalinks quickly is crucial to avoid 404 errors and potential SEO setbacks [2]. By following the outlined steps, you can restore your links effectively and keep your site running smoothly.
To recap, the process includes resetting permalinks, updating URLs, and repairing the .htaccess file. These steps blend technical fixes with ongoing monitoring to ensure everything stays in order.
Here’s a quick breakdown of the key actions:
| Action | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Permalink Reset | Fixes basic link issues |
| Search & Replace | Updates internal links |
| .htaccess Repair | Corrects server redirects |
Maintaining permalinks properly helps preserve link authority and prevents SEO complications [1]. For more complex migrations, tools like Permalink Manager Pro can simplify managing custom post types and multilingual setups.
"Well developed plugin with no extra bloat… Great support and well knowledgeable developer!" [14]
"I just installed and intuitively solved all my WooCommerce permalinks issues. Thank you so much for this plugin!" [16]