When managing a WordPress website, the .htaccess file is key in setting up URL redirects and improving security. However, updating WordPress or installing new themes and plugins might cause WordPress to overwrite this file.
This can interfere with your settings and lead to errors or security issues. In this blog, we’ll explore a few methods to keep WordPress from automatically changing your .htaccess file.
Contents
What is the .htaccess File in WordPress?
The .htaccess (Hypertext Access) file is a configuration file on Apache servers that controls directories and files. WordPress uses it primarily to manage URL permalinks, making it an essential part of your website’s structure.
However, custom changes to this file may be lost when WordPress or certain plugins update, as they tend to rewrite this file to ensure default WordPress configurations are applied.
Common uses of .htaccess in WordPress include:
- Configuring SEO-friendly URLs
- Setting up 301 redirects
- Limiting IP access for security
- Defining custom error pages
- Implementing caching rules for performance
Why Does WordPress Overwrite the .htaccess File?
WordPress overwrites .htaccess when changes are made to:
- Permalink structure: Changing the URL structure from the Settings menu in WordPress.
- Specific Plugins: Some plugins automatically adjust the
.htaccessfile to add custom rules for SEO, caching, or security purposes. - Automatic Updates: Updates to WordPress may modify
.htaccessto ensure compatibility or security.
Rules for Stopping WordPress from Overwriting Your .htaccess File
If you understand how the .htaccess file works, you can ensure your custom rules stay intact. WordPress and plugins only modify marked sections, so avoid adding code there.
Note: Before making any changes, it’s wise to back up your website. This ensures you can swiftly revert to the previous state if anything goes awry. WP Staging offers a simple solution for setting up automatic backups. For additional assistance, refer to the backup and restore guide.
Don’t Modify Code Inside the WordPress Markers
“Don’t Modify Code Inside the WordPress Markers” means avoiding edits within the # BEGIN WordPress and # END WordPress tags in .htaccess. WordPress controls this section and updates it automatically.
Don’t Modify Code Inside Your Plugins’ Markers
“Don’t Modify Code Inside Your Plugins’ Markers” means avoiding changes to sections of .htaccess that plugins add, marked by comments like # BEGIN PluginName and # END PluginName. The plugin controls these areas and can be overwritten during updates.
Creating Markers for Your Custom Code
“Creating Markers for Your Custom Code” means adding unique comments like # BEGIN MyCustomRules to identify your custom rules in the .htaccess file, making it easier to manage and preventing accidental overwrites.
Top Fixes to Stop WordPress From Overwriting the .htaccess File
- Change
.htaccessFile Permissions - Using Custom Code in
wp-config.php
1. Change .htaccess File Permissions
A simple way to stop WordPress from overwriting your .htaccess file by setting its permissions to read-only. This blocks WordPress, plugins, or other processes from making changes. Here’s how to do it:
Login to your hosting account and find the File Manager under the Files section.
Navigate to the root directory of your WordPress installation (usually public_html).
Locate your .htaccess file, right-click on it, and choose Change Permissions from the menu.
A dialog box will appear, showing the file’s current permissions. Set the permissions to 444, then click Change Permissions to save the changes.
Setting the .htaccess file to read-only stops WordPress from modifying it and protects your custom rules, adding extra security to your site.
2. Using Custom Code in wp-config.php
You can stop WordPress from modifying your .htaccess file by adding custom code to the wp-config.php file. This disables automatic updates of the .htaccess file during permalink or plugin changes. Here’s how:
Access your WordPress root directory, locate the wp-config.php file, right-click on it, and select Edit from the menu.
Add the following line of code just before the line that says /* That's all, stop editing! Happy publishing. */:
add_filter('got_rewrite', '__return_false');After that, save the file after adding the code.
Adding code to the wp-config.php file stops WordPress from rewriting the .htaccess file, keeping your custom rules safe. This method works well alongside other protections like file permissions.
Conclusion
To keep your .htaccess file safe from WordPress updates, You can change the file permissions to read-only or add custom code to the wp-config.php file.
These simple steps help you protect your site’s settings without constant monitoring, giving you peace of mind and more control over your website’s functionality.