Google advises against redirecting all 404 error pages to the homepage.

    Instead, it recommends using proper redirects or maintaining the 404 status code.

    Redirecting every 404 page to the homepage can confuse search engine crawlers. Using 301 redirects in this way may negatively impact your site’s rankings and overall search performance. It can also frustrate users.

    Why 404 Pages Matter

    404 error pages serve an important purpose: they inform both users and search engines that a URL is unavailable or no longer exists. This transparency helps users understand what went wrong, rather than being unexpectedly sent to an unrelated page.

    “A 404 error is a clear signal that the link is broken or the URL no longer exists—perhaps because the product is gone or something has changed.”

    404 Errors and Redirects

    Impact on Search Crawlers

    Redirecting all 404 pages to the homepage can disrupt how search bots operate. When crawlers encounter a legitimate 404, they recognize that the content is gone and move on to other URLs. But redirecting them to the homepage creates a confusing loop.

    “Bots land on the homepage, find content, and eventually hit another non-existent URL. If you keep redirecting them, the cycle repeats.”

    Best Practices for Missing Content

    • If content has moved, use a redirect to the new URL.
    • If content is truly gone, maintain the 404 status code.
    • Avoid redirecting to the homepage or to what you think is the “closest match.”

    In summary: If the URL has changed, use a redirect. If the content is gone, don’t redirect users to the homepage.

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