404 error page

The page a server returns when you go to an address that doesn’t exist.

Also called: 404, 404 page, 404 error, page not found, not found, error page, 500, 500 error, something went wrong, broken link, dead link, page doesn't exist

What it is for

It keeps visitors from leaving by explaining that the content wasn’t found and pointing the way forward: a site search, a link to the home page or to popular sections. A good 404 page keeps the project’s style and branding.

Where you see it

• Websites — following a broken link
• Web apps — trying to open something that was deleted
• This guide — try opening an address that doesn’t exist

What it is called in code

• 404 Not Found
• 500 Internal Server Error
• 404.html

See also

• Empty state — What a screen or component shows when there is nothing to display: no results, an empty list, a failed load.
• Offline state — What the interface shows when the network connection is lost.
• Link — Clickable text that takes you to another page, or to another spot on the same page.