WordPress .htaccess File Missing? Here’s How to Fix It

Are you running into trouble with your WordPress site because the .htaccess file is missing? The absence of this file can cause a variety of problems for both site administrators and visitors.

Losing the .htaccess file can lead to several WordPress errors, including 404 errors, increased security vulnerabilities, site navigation issues, and slower loading times.

But what exactly is the WordPress .htaccess file? Why might it go missing? And most importantly, how can you fix it? Find all the answers below!

What is the .htaccess File in WordPress?

The .htaccess file is a configuration file used by the Apache web server. It is crucial for managing websites hosted on an Apache server, including WordPress sites.

Typically, the .htaccess file is found in the root directory of your WordPress installation. This means it is located at the same level as your wp-config.php file and the wp-content, wp-admin, and wp-includes directories.

The dot (.) at the beginning of the filename indicates that it is a hidden file. Here is an example of a .htaccess file located in the root directory of the cPanel File Manager:

The .htaccess file allows you to manage various server settings without needing to modify the main server configuration files. Here are some of its essential functions:

• URL Rewriting for SEO: This function is used to create clean, SEO-friendly URLs, often by removing index.php from the URL.
• Redirects: Provides a way to redirect visitors from one URL to another, which is often necessary when renaming pages or migrating a site to HTTPS.
• Setting Custom Error Pages: Allows you to specify which pages to display in response to various HTTP error codes.
• Blocking Access: Used to prevent access to your website or specific directories from certain IP addresses.
• Improving Performance with Caching: Configures browser caching to speed up your website’s loading times.
• And many more.

If you are working with an experienced website development service provider, you can consult them directly or ask them to manage your WordPress .htaccess file. However, if you prefer to handle it yourself, continue reading the following sections!

How to Fix a WordPress .htaccess File Missing

To resolve a missing .htaccess file, you can take two approaches: (1) show a potentially hidden .htaccess file, or (2) create a new one.

Method 1: How to Show the WordPress .htaccess File

Before creating a new .htaccess file, it’s important to confirm whether the file is actually missing or just hidden. Here are the steps to reveal it through the File Manager in cPanel:

1. Log in to your cPanel, scroll down to the Files section, and select File Manager.
   
2. Open the public_html folder and look for the .htaccess file.
   
3. If the file is not visible, click on Settings in the top-right corner.
   
4. In the pop-up that appears, check the box for Show Hidden Files (dotfiles) and click Save.
   
5. If the file was just hidden, it will now appear in your file list as shown below:
   

If you are using an FTP (File Transfer Protocol) client, hidden files can be displayed by changing the client’s settings. For example, in FileZilla, you can go to the Server menu and select the Force showing hidden files option.

When using other FTP clients, a similar option is usually available in the application’s settings or under a Preferences menu.

However, if the .htaccess file is genuinely missing, you will need to proceed to the next step to create a new one.

Method 2: How to Create a New .htaccess File

Another scenario you might encounter is the complete absence of the .htaccess file on your WordPress site. This can happen if WordPress hasn’t automatically generated the file yet. The chances of this are relatively low, especially if you are using the latest version of WordPress, 6.5.

Another possible cause is a problematic plugin that has deleted the .htaccess file. In this case, you’ll need to create a new one. If you are using cPanel, follow these steps:

1. Log in to your cPanel, scroll down to the Files section, and select File Manager.
2. Inside the public_html folder, click the + File button to create a new file.
   
3. In the pop-up window, name the file .htaccess and click Create New File.
   
4. Once the .htaccess file is created, right-click on it and select Edit.
5. Then, paste in the default WordPress code provided here and press Save Changes.

Alternatively, you can create a new file with the code above using a text editor (like VS Code, Sublime Text, etc.), similar to how you would create a WordPress theme.

Have You Successfully Fixed the Missing .htaccess File?

The .htaccess file in WordPress plays a crucial role in various aspects, including ensuring website accessibility and enhancing security by controlling access to specific pages that should not be publicly accessible.

Many people are unaware that the .htaccess file is hidden by default in WordPress. Therefore, you first need to unhide it. If the file truly doesn’t exist, you must create a new one.

Speaking of WordPress websites, if you aim to build a highly professional site, it’s advisable to entrust its creation to a professional team like Tonjoo.

We have extensive experience in developing websites for clients like Astra Isuzu, Futureskills, and Rey. If you want a website of similar quality, don’t hesitate to contact us through the Tonjoo contact page.

For more articles on WordPress, WooCommerce, and web development, check out Tonjoo Studio Blog by Moch. Nasikhun Amin.

Last Updated on November 29, 2025 by Moch. Nasikhun Amin