Wordpress REST API (wp-api) 404 Error: Cannot access the WordPress REST API

🚀 Wordpress REST API (wp-api) 404 Error: Cannot access the WordPress REST API 🚀

So, you've been using the WordPress REST API (wp-api) plugin for a while, and everything was working fine. But then, you migrated your site to an EC2 instance, and boom 💥, you started getting a 404 error whenever you tried to access any endpoint on the API. Not cool!

Here's the error message you're getting:

The requested URL /wordpress/wp-json/ was not found on this server.

But fear not! We've got you covered. In this blog post, we'll address common issues related to this problem, provide easy solutions, and make sure you're back on track in no time. Let's dig in!

📝 Understanding the Problem 📝

The 404 error message suggests that the server couldn't find the requested URL. This typically happens when the server's configuration or settings are not properly adjusted to handle the WordPress REST API requests.

💡 Possible Causes 💡

1. Permalinks Configuration: Pretty permalinks, such as /wordpress/sample-post/, are enabled. But for some reason, the API endpoints are not being recognized.

2. Apache Configuration: The Apache server on your EC2 instance might not be properly configured to handle the WordPress REST API requests.

🔧 Easy Solutions 🔧

Solution 1: Verify Permalinks Configuration

1. In your WordPress admin dashboard, go to Settings > Permalinks.

2. Check if Post name or any other permalink structure is selected.

3. If not, select any permalink structure you prefer and click Save Changes.

4. Test if the WordPress REST API endpoints are accessible now.

Solution 2: Adjust Apache Configuration

1. Connect to your EC2 instance using SSH.

2. Open the Apache configuration file using a text editor. The location of this file might vary depending on your server setup. Generally, it's located at /etc/apache2/apache2.conf or /etc/httpd/conf/httpd.conf.

3. Look for the <Directory> section that corresponds to your WordPress installation directory. It should look something like this:

   <Directory /var/www/html/wordpress> AllowOverride All ... </Directory>

4. Ensure that the AllowOverride directive is set to All. This allows WordPress to override the Apache server settings and handle the API requests.

5. Save the changes and exit the text editor.

6. Restart the Apache server by running the following command: sudo service apache2 restart or sudo service httpd restart.

7. Test if the WordPress REST API endpoints are accessible now.

📣 Take Action! 📣

Okay, now it's your turn to take action! Implement the solutions mentioned above and see if the 404 error is resolved. If you're still facing issues, don't worry, we're here to help. Leave a comment below 📝, and we'll do our best to assist you.

Remember, sharing is caring! If this blog post helped you solve the WordPress REST API 404 error, spread the word by sharing it with your fellow WordPress enthusiasts. Let's make everyone's lives easier!

🌟 Happy REST API-ing! 🌟