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404 error

404 is an HTTP status indicating that the server cannot find the requested content at that URL.

HTTP status and missing content

404 · content is missing → 200 · “not found” message
Soft 404 is an interpretation of missing or insufficient content, not a separate HTTP status.
Text version
  • 404 · content is missing
  • 200 · “not found” message

How it works

Return a real 404 response with useful navigation; repair internal links to missing pages.

Example

Example: A deleted product without a suitable replacement may return 404 rather than redirect to an unrelated category.

Common mistakes

A “not found” page returning 200 may be treated as a soft 404.

How can you check this in practice?

Check the status, not just visible wording. The page can offer search and navigation while returning 404. Repair your own links to the deleted URL; redirect only when a genuinely corresponding replacement exists.

Distinctions and limitations

404 means the resource is missing; 410 says it has been removed. Google treats most 4xx responses as unavailable content. A deleted URL returning 404 is not a reason to redirect every missing page to the homepage.

Official sources

Editorial responsibility: Martin Zhelyazkov · Founder of Z-Consult

Updated: 05/11/2026

For a correction or question: office@z-consult.bg