New version

There has been a lot of curiosity surrounding how to set up the 404 page of Notfound.org on a WordPress blog or website when you don’t have the ability to edit your 404 page yourself. The good news is that it’s actually quite easy. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process step by step.

IMPORTANT: Before you begin, please ensure that you have the ability to install plugins or access your website’s FTP. If you don’t have these permissions, you’ll need to contact your web host for assistance. It’s best to request them to update the 404 page on your behalf as they should be able to help you out.

Step 1: Getting the Code

  1. Start by visiting the Notfound.org website.
  2. Choose your local country. If you blog in English, select “Other countries” even if you’re located in the United Kingdom.
  3. This will take you to a new page. Click on “Yes, I’ll make better use of my 404 page” to reveal the registration options.
  4. Register your domain or subdomain, which is the top-level URL of your blog. For example, “snowcalmth.com” or “blog.snowcalmth.com.” Avoid adding any slashes (“/”) or anything that comes after the slash.
  5. After clicking “Next,” you’ll see two options. For this purpose, you need to copy the code provided. You don’t have to download the entire page.

Step 2: Creating the Page

  1. Go to your WordPress blog.
  2. Create a new page, not a blog post. Set the editor to “Text” instead of “Visual” if necessary.
  3. Paste the code you copied earlier into the editor. Do not edit the code itself, as it may cause issues.
  4. Add a title to the page and ensure that the permalink is set to “404,” as this is the most common practice.
  5. Click the “Publish” button and visit the page you just published to check if it works.

Step 3: Installing the Plugin and Setting It Up

  1. Install a plugin called “Custom 404 Pro” by “Kunal Nagar.” This is one of the most user-friendly options available.
  2. Once installed, hover over the plugin button in your admin area sidebar and click on “Settings.”
  3. Set the mode to “WordPress page” and select the page you created in the previous step.
  4. Click “Save.”
  5. Congratulations! You’re done.

NOTE: If you prefer, you can skip the page creation step and upload the page through FTP. In that case, use the plugin mentioned earlier to set the URL of the 404 page. However, be aware that this will cause the 404 page to be shown independently of your website or blog, potentially causing inconvenience for your visitors.

Now you can enjoy using your blog or website, knowing that you’re helping to raise awareness for missing children.

Old version

There have been a lot of wondering how to set the 404 page of notfound.org at a wordpress blog, or website, when you can’t edit your 404 page yourself.
Actually, this is really easy.

IMPORTANT: Before starting out, please make sure you do have the ability to install plugins, or FTP access, if you don’t, you will need to contact your host either way, so you’re best off requesting them to update the 404 page, they should be able to help you out.

Step 1: Getting code
Start off by going to the website: notfound.org
Next up is choosing your local country. If you blog using the English language, you’re best off using the “other countries” as choice, even when located at the United Kingdom.
This should lead up to a new page, simply press the “Yes, I’ll make better use of my 404-page” which should make the register website option appear.
Register your domain or subdomain, this is the top-URL of your blog, like in my example would be “snowcalmth.com”, but could also be “blog.snowcalmth.com”, however, do not add the backslash “/” or anything that is after the backslash.
After pressing next, you should see two possibilities, for this usage you will need to copy the code, you won’t have to download the page itself.

Step 2: Creating page
Next up is going to your blog.
Start by creating a new page, not blog post, set the editor to text instead of visual, if needed, and copy the previously copied code to the editor.
If needed you could add more text to it, but do not edit the code you pasted a moment ago, this could cause problems.
Add a subject, make certain your permalink is correct, setting it to “404” is the most common practice.
Press the publish button and go to the page you just published to check if it works.

Step 3: Installing plugin and setting it up
Next up is adding a new plugin, this should at most hosts be available without FTP access, however, at some hosts this may be different.
To learn how you can add plugins, check WordPress’ official tutorial at: https://codex.wordpress.org/Managing_Plugins
The plugin that I use, and tends to be the most user-friendly, is the “Custom 404 Pro” plugin by “Kunal Nagar”
After installing this plugin, just hover the button it creates at the sidebar of your admin area and click settings.
Set the mode to “wordpress page” and select the page you created before.
Press save, and…
Done

NOTE: The page creation could be ignored, and instead you could upload the page through FTP and set the URL of it through the plugin I said before, this however will make the 404 page to be independently shown of your website or blog, causing annoyances to the visitors of your website or blog.

Now you’re able to enjoy using your blog or website with the knowledge you are helping out missing children.

I am a Ukraine-born Karaite with mixed Polish and Russian heritage, currently residing in Poland. I take immense pride in being a father to eight wonderful children and the legal guardian of a child from Ukraine. Additionally, I have the privilege of teaching a group of eleven exceptional children. My political views are syncretic, although I draw inspiration from left-wing, progressive, and socialist ideologies. While I hold strong opinions, I am always open to hearing and considering others' perspectives.

In the past, I worked as a translator, but my present focus lies in advocating for the rights of orphans, foundlings, and other children who lack parental care. Despite facing my own disabilities, I am committed to fighting for the rights of individuals with disabilities. Being a foundling myself, I consider myself fortunate to have found a loving family. This personal experience drives my passion for supporting those in similar circumstances.

Beyond my advocacy work, I have a deep passion for anime, gaming, and TV series. These interests provide me with a source of joy and relaxation. Furthermore, I am a dedicated philanthropist and have completed my studies in social pedagogy. As a young ambassador for the British charity ChildAid to Eastern Europe, I am honored to serve in this role, furthering the organization's mission to support children in need.