Default .htaccess File Code for WordPress

When running a WordPress website, maintaining an optimized .htaccess file is essential for performance, SEO, and security. The default .htaccess file code for WordPress plays a vital role in managing permalink structures, redirect rules, and more. Whether you’re troubleshooting a broken site or setting up a fresh install, knowing how to restore or configure your .htaccess file can save you from a lot of headaches.

Default .htaccess File Code for WordPress

Here is the standard default .htaccess file code for WordPress:

# BEGIN WordPress

RewriteEngine On
RewriteRule .* - [E=HTTP_AUTHORIZATION:%{HTTP:Authorization}]
RewriteBase /
RewriteRule ^index\.php$ - [L]
RewriteCond %{REQUEST_FILENAME} !-f
RewriteCond %{REQUEST_FILENAME} !-d
RewriteRule . /index.php [L]

# END WordPress

What Does This Code Do?

RewriteEngine On: Enables the rewrite engine.
RewriteBase /: Sets the base URL for all following rewrite rules.
RewriteRule ^index.php$ – [L]: Prevents rewriting the index.php file.
RewriteCond %{REQUEST_FILENAME} !-f: Skips existing files.
RewriteCond %{REQUEST_FILENAME} !-d: Skips existing directories.
RewriteRule . /index.php [L]: Sends all other requests to index.php for WordPress processing.

How to Restore or Edit the Default .htaccess File

Sometimes, custom plugins or themes may modify your .htaccess file, leading to site errors or broken permalinks. Here’s how you can restore it:

Step-by-Step:

Connect to your website using FTP or cPanel File Manager.
Locate the .htaccess file in the root directory (public_html).
Make a backup of the existing file.
Replace the content with the default code above.
Save and close the file.
Visit your WordPress dashboard → Settings → Permalinks → Click “Save Changes” (this regenerates the .htaccess file correctly).

Best Practices for .htaccess File in WordPress

To ensure smooth functioning and security, consider the following:

Backup regularly before making changes.
Use .htaccess to block bad bots and prevent directory browsing.
Add SSL redirection and custom 404 error pages.
Avoid adding unnecessary code to keep it clean and efficient.

Common Issues Related to .htaccess File

500 Internal Server Error: Often caused by syntax errors in the .htaccess file.
Permalinks Not Working: Usually resolved by resetting the default .htaccess rules.
White Screen of Death: Can occur due to incorrect rewrite rules or plugin conflicts.

Useful Resources and External Links

To enhance your understanding and troubleshooting skills, here are some helpful links:

Default .htaccess File Code for WordPress