How to Resolve Nginx 404 Not Found Error

Encountering a 404 Not Found error on Nginx can be a frustrating experience, especially when you’re unsure of the cause. This guide is designed to help you efficiently diagnose and resolve the Nginx 404 Not Found error, ensuring your website runs smoothly and remains accessible to your users. We’ll walk you through common causes, straightforward troubleshooting steps, and practical solutions, making the process of fixing this error as simple and stress-free as possible.

What Causes Nginx 404 Not Found Error

A 404 Not Found error in Nginx indicates that the server is running, but it cannot find the requested resource. This issue can arise from various factors, which may include basic user errors or more complex technical misconfigurations. Identifying the underlying cause is essential for resolving the error. The range of possible causes varies, covering simple oversights to intricate server settings.

• Incorrect URL. The most common cause is a mistyped URL or a broken link. This could be due to human error or changes in the website’s structure.
• Missing Files. If the file or page has been moved, renamed, or deleted, Nginx will return a 404 error.
• Configuration Errors. Misconfigurations in Nginx’s settings, such as incorrect location blocks or rewrite rules, can lead to a 404 error.
• File Permissions. Improper file permissions can prevent Nginx from accessing the necessary files, resulting in a 404 error.
• DNS Issues. Sometimes, the issue might lie with DNS settings, where the domain name does not correctly resolve to the server.

Understanding these frequent causes enables administrators and developers to more efficiently diagnose and resolve the Nginx 404 Not Found error, thus maintaining the seamless operation of web services. In the following section, we will explore methods to fix this error.

How to Fix Nginx 404 Not Found Error

Fixing a 404 Not Found error in Nginx involves several steps, each aimed at identifying and correcting the underlying cause of the problem. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

#1 Check the Requested URL

Ensure that the URL entered in the browser is correct. Typos or incorrect URLs are common reasons for a 404 error. Confirm that the URL matches exactly what it should be, including the right domain and path.

#2 Verify the Location of the Resource

Check if the file or resource you’re trying to access exists in the correct location on your server. You should be able to find the file in the expected directory. If it’s missing or misplaced, move it to the correct location.

#3 Review Nginx Configuration

Examine your Nginx configuration file for any errors, especially in the server block or location directives. The configuration should correctly point to the location of your web files. Correct any misconfigurations or syntax errors.

nginx -t

#4 Check File Permissions

Ensure that Nginx has the necessary permissions to access the files and directories. File permissions should allow the Nginx user to read (and execute, if necessary) the relevant files.

ls -l /path/to/your/file

#5 Clear Browser Cache

Sometimes, browsers cache an old version of a webpage, leading to a 404 error. After clearing the cache, reloading the page may resolve the error if it was cache related.

#6 Restart Nginx

After making changes, restart Nginx to apply them. Use the command below. The server should restart without errors.

sudo systemctl restart nginx

#7 Set Up Automatic Restart

To handle unexpected failures, set up automatic restart for Nginx. This can be done using systemd (which is standard in many Linux distributions). Edit the Nginx service file (usually located at /etc/systemd/system/nginx.service or a similar directory). Add Restart=on-failure under the [Service] section. Then reload the systemd daemon using sudo systemctl daemon-reload command.

#8 Check Error Logs

If the issue persists, consult the Nginx error logs for specific error messages. Detailed information in logs found in /var/log/nginx/error.log (or similar path), guiding further troubleshooting.

cat /var/log/nginx/error.log

#9 Confirm DNS Settings

Ensure the domain name is correctly pointing to your server’s IP address. Correct DNS settings confirmed using tools like nslookup.

nslookup yourdomain.com

That’s it! You’re now ready to confidently handle and resolve Nginx 404 Not Found errors, ensuring a smoother and more reliable experience for your website’s visitors. By following the outlined steps and utilizing the given commands, you’re now well-prepared to diagnose and resolve this common web server issue. Regular maintenance and attentive server management are crucial in preventing future errors.