A 404 Page Not Found error in WordPress (especially on posts, pages, or permalinks) is common when using the LiteSpeed Web Server. In most cases, it’s caused by permalink, rewrite, or cache configuration issues.
This guide explains step-by-step solutions to fix 404 errors quickly.

Common Causes of 404 Errors on LiteSpeed

• Broken or unsaved WordPress permalinks

• Missing .htaccess rewrite rules

• LiteSpeed cache conflicts

• Incorrect document root

• File or folder permission issues

Step 1: Reset WordPress Permalinks (Most Common Fix)

1. Log in to WordPress Admin

2. Go to Settings → Permalinks

3. Select Post name

4. Click Save Changes (even if already selected)

✅ This forces WordPress to regenerate rewrite rules.

Step 2: Check and Fix .htaccess File

Default WordPress .htaccess for LiteSpeed

Open cPanel → File Manager → public_html → .htaccess
Replace contents with:

Click Save.

???? LiteSpeed uses Apache-compatible rewrite rules, so this works perfectly.

Step 3: Clear LiteSpeed Cache

From WordPress Dashboard

1. Go to LiteSpeed Cache → Toolbox

2. Click Purge All

From cPanel (Optional)

• Open LiteSpeed Web Cache Manager

• Clear cache for the domain

Step 4: Check Document Root (Addon Domains)

If WordPress is installed on an Addon Domain:

1. Go to cPanel → Domains

2. Confirm Document Root

3. Ensure WordPress files are inside the correct folder

    

   public_html/yourdomain.com/

Step 5: Fix File & Folder Permissions

Recommended permissions:

• Folders: 755

• Files: 644

In File Manager:

• Right-click folder/file → Change Permissions

Step 6: Disable Plugins (Conflict Check)

If 404 started after installing a plugin:

1. Rename the plugins folder:

    

   wp-content/plugins → plugins_old

2. Reload your website

3. If fixed, rename back and enable plugins one by one

Step 7: Check LiteSpeed Rewrite Settings (Advanced)

In WHM → LiteSpeed Web Server:

• Ensure Enable Rewrite = ON

• Ensure Use Apache mod_rewrite = ON

(Hosting provider–side check)

Step 8: Rebuild LiteSpeed Cache via CLI (Optional)

If you have SSH access:

⚠️ Only for advanced users or admins.

Common Scenarios & Fix Summary

Best Practices

✅ Always save permalinks after migration
✅ Keep LiteSpeed Cache updated
✅ Avoid duplicate caching plugins
✅ Back up before editing .htaccess

Conclusion

Most 404 errors on WordPress using LiteSpeed are caused by permalink or rewrite issues and can be fixed in minutes. Start with resetting permalinks, then verify .htaccess and clear cache.