What Does 404 Mean? Web Error Explained Simply by Jarin Tech

What Does 404 Mean? Complete Guide to the Web’s Most Common Error

Have you ever clicked a link expecting to land on a webpage—only to see a plain screen that says “404 Not Found”? It’s one of the most frustrating and common errors on the internet. But what does 404 mean exactly? Is it just a broken page, or something more?

In this guide, we’ll break down what the 404 error means, why it shows up, and what you can do about it—whether you’re a casual browser or a website owner trying to maintain a healthy site.

🔍 What Does 404 Mean?

A 404 error is an HTTP status code that means the page you’re trying to reach on a website cannot be found on the server. It’s not a problem with your internet connection or your browser—it’s the website telling you, “Sorry, we can’t find what you’re looking for.”

The full error is usually labeled something like:

• 404 Not Found
• 404 Page Not Found
• Error 404

This means the server is working, and the website is online, but the specific page is unavailable.

🧠 Why Is It Called a 404 Error?

The number “404” comes from the HTTP status code system. In this system:

• 1xx codes = Informational responses
• 2xx codes = Successful responses
• 3xx codes = Redirection messages
• 4xx codes = Client-side errors
• 5xx codes = Server-side errors

So, 404s specifically means: “The page requested by the client (you) could not be found by the server.”

⚠️ Why Do 404 Errors Happen?

There are many reasons you might run into a 404 error:

1. The page has been deleted

If the site owner removed the page but didn’t set up a redirect, visitors will land on a 404.

2. The URL is wrong

A small typo in the URL can lead to a page that doesn’t exist.

3. The page was moved

If a page was moved to a new address but not redirected properly, the old link will throw a 404s error.

4. Broken or outdated links

If another website links to a page that no longer exists, visitors following that link will hit a 404.

5. Incorrect internal linking

Even within your own site, a mistyped internal link can lead users to a dead end.

👥 For Site Visitors: What Should You Do?

If you come across a 404 error as a visitor, here are some quick tips:

• Check the URL – Make sure it’s typed correctly.
• Refresh the page – Occasionally, a glitch in loading may cause the error.
• Search the site – Use the website’s search bar to find the content you’re after.
• Visit the homepage – You can often navigate from there to what you need.

🛠️ For Site Owners: Why 404 Errors Matter

If you manage a website, it’s important to pay attention to 404s errors. While a few occasional 404s are normal, too many can harm your site’s:

• User experience – Visitors may leave if they keep hitting broken links.
• SEO rankings – Search engines track crawl errors, and a large number of 404s can impact your site’s authority.
• Reputation – A site full of broken pages may look outdated or poorly maintained.

🔧 How to Fix 404 Errors on Your Website

If you’re a site owner or content manager, here’s how to identify and correct these errors:

1. Find 404 Errors

Use tools like:

• Google Search Console
• Screaming Frog SEO Spider
• Ahrefs or SEMrush (premium SEO tools)

These will show broken links and pages not found.

2. Fix or Redirect Broken URLs

• If the content still exists but moved, set up a 301 redirect to the new URL.
• If the page no longer exists, redirect to a related page or a helpful resource.

3. Update Internal and External Links

Make sure no pages on your site link to old or broken URLs. If other sites link to your missing pages, consider contacting them to update their links.

4. Create a Custom 404 Page

Rather than a generic error page, make your 404s page user-friendly and helpful:

• Add a message like “Oops! Page not found.”
• Include a search bar or menu navigation
• Suggest popular or related content
• Keep your site branding consistent

💡 Examples of Great 404 Pages

Some websites turn 404 pages into a branding opportunity by adding humor, clever illustrations, or engaging design. For example:

• GitHub’s Octocat lost in space
• Netflix’s 404 with scenes from their shows
• Airbnb’s friendly search suggestions

These pages keep users engaged instead of pushing them away.

✅ Quick Checklist for 404 SEO Fixes

• Regularly monitor 404s in Google Search Console
• Set up 301 redirects for moved or deleted content
• Fix internal links to avoid broken URLs
• Use a helpful custom 404s page
• Update your sitemap to remove dead links

Final Thoughts

So, what does 404 mean? In short, it means the page you’re looking for isn’t available—but that doesn’t have to be the end of the road. Whether you’re a user trying to access a site or a site owner working to maintain a clean experience, understanding and addressing 404s errors is key.

A well-managed site minimizes 404s, keeps visitors engaged, and shows both users and search engines that you care about quality. Next time you see a 404s error, you’ll know exactly what it means—and how to respond.

Learn more from Jarin Tech Blog.