Overview
This article explains why you may encounter issues accessing your WordPress site using an IP address and username (e.g., https://example.net/~username). Common problems include 404 errors and broken CSS styles. Understanding how WordPress uses URLs and domain references is essential for resolving these issues.
Pre-requirements
- Access to your WordPress installation files.
- Basic knowledge of editing system files (e.g., hosts file).
- Administrator access to your local machine.
Understanding the Issue
When you access your WordPress site via an IP address and username, you may see 404 errors or broken CSS. This occurs because WordPress relies on URL references stored in its database for proper functionality. If the URL is not correctly set, the site cannot find the necessary resources.
To view your WordPress site correctly, you need to have the proper URL entered in the address bar. Testing your site before DNS is pointed can help avoid these issues.
Steps to Set Up Your Hosts File
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Open a terminal (Linux or macOS) or Command Prompt (Windows) with administrative privileges. |
| 2 | Open the hosts file in a text editor: |
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| 3 | Add an entry for your WordPress site using the following format: |
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| 4 | Save the changes to the hosts file and exit the editor. |
| 5 | Clear your browser cache or open a new browser window to see if the site loads correctly. |
Gotchas to Avoid
- Editing Permissions: Ensure you have the necessary permissions to edit the hosts file. Use
sudofor Linux and macOS. - IP Address Accuracy: Double-check that you are using the correct IP address for your WordPress site.
- Local Host Cache: If changes don't appear immediately, try flushing your DNS cache or restarting your browser.
Understanding how WordPress uses URLs and setting up your local hosts file correctly are key steps in troubleshooting access issues via an IP address and username. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can effectively test your site before DNS changes are made, ensuring a smoother transition and fewer issues down the line.
