# How to set up a proper 404 page

> Missing pages should answer with status 404 and a helpful page, not a blank screen or a 200 that pretends to be fine.

Best practices · HTML version: https://getreport.app/learn/custom-404

## 404 page for missing pages

Passing looks like: Missing pages get a proper 404 page.

**Why it matters.** A visitor on a broken link should see your own "page not found" with a menu and search, and search engines should get HTTP 404 so they drop the URL. A server default page or a 200 answer does neither.

**How to fix it.**

1. Return HTTP 404 (not 200 or 302) for unknown URLs; a "soft 404" keeps dead pages in Google.
2. Design the 404 page with your header, a short apology, search and links to the main sections; most CMSs have a 404 template.

Check your own page: https://getreport.app/