How to Change & Reset Permalinks in WordPress

WordPress

In this post, discover how to modify and restore the permalink structure in WordPress.

WordPress permalinks are the lasting links or URLs associated with your posts and pages. Implementing custom permalinks can enhance search engine optimization (SEO) and create a more appealing URL for online searches. Additionally, malfunctioning permalinks can result in ‘Page not found’ errores on your WordPress site.

To modify, enable, or restore permalinks in WordPress, adhere to the guidelines outlined below.

Update Permalinks

Update Permalinks in Dashboard

You can enable and modify permalinks via the WordPress Dashboard to create URLs that are friendly for SEO.

  1. You should always backup your site before making any changes.
  2. Log in to WordPress.
  3. Go to Settings > Permalinks
  4. Choose the permalink structure you prefer, or create a custom one. 
    Note: OPTIONAL: You can also create a structure for your categories and tags.
  5. Click Save Changes.
  6. The URL on your website’s pages should display the permalink settings you selected.

Update WordPress Permalinks in the database

It is possible to modify WordPress permalinks directly in the database rather than through the WordPress Dashboard.

  1. You should always backup your site before making any changes.
  2. Log into the database via phpMyAdmin. 
    Note: In cPanel Hosting, you must select the database for your WordPress site in the left-hand column before proceeding to the next step.
  3. Click on the wp_options table.
  4. Locate the permalink_structure entry under the option_name column. You may need to navigate beyond the first page of entries.
  5. Click the Edit button.
  6. Under the option_value field for this entry, add the permalink structure that you want to use.
  7. Click Go.
  8. The URL on your website’s pages should display the permalink settings you selected.

Reset Permalinks

Reset Permalinks in Dashboard

If your permalinks in WordPress are malfunctioning, or if your pages show a Page Not Found (404) error, you can follow the steps below to restore the permalinks in WordPress.

  1. You should always backup your site before performing any troubleshooting.
  2. Log in to WordPress.
  3. Go to Settings > Permalinks.
  4. Change the permalink structure to Plain.
  5. Click Save Changes.
  6. The URL on your website’s pages should display the permalink settings you selected.

Reset WordPress Permalinks in the Database

If needed, you can revert WordPress permalinks to their original configuration in the database.

  1. You should always backup your site before performing any troubleshooting.
  2. Log into phpMyAdmin. 
    Note: In cPanel Hosting you must select the database for your WordPress site in the left-hand column before proceeding to the next step.
  3. Click on the wp_options table.
  4. Locate the permalink_structure entry in the option_value column.
  5. Click the Edit button.
  6. Under the option_value field for this entry, remove the text and leave it blank.
  7. Click Go.
  8. The URL on your website’s pages should display the default permalink settings for WordPress.

You can modify and restore the permalink structure in WordPress using these methods.

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