How to Fix Unexpected Changes in WordPress Permalink Settings

If you’re experiencing issues with the permalinks on your website changing unexpectedly, this can happen for a few reasons, such as changes in the permalink settings, conflicts with plugins, or issues with the .htaccess file if you’re using a WordPress site. Here are some steps you can take to troubleshoot and resolve the issue:

1. Check Permalink Settings:
   • Go to your WordPress dashboard, then to Settings > Permalinks.
   • Review the current permalink structure and make sure it’s set to the desired format.
   • If changes are made, be sure to save them.
2. Verify .htaccess File:
   • Check your .htaccess file for any unusual modifications. This file is typically found in the root directory of your WordPress installation.
   • Ensure that the rewrite rules are correct according to your permalink settings.
   • If unsure, you can reset the .htaccess by selecting a permalink structure in the WordPress admin, saving it, then selecting your original setting and saving again.
3. Plugin Conflicts:
   • If the issue started after installing a new plugin, try deactivating that plugin to see if it resolves the issue.
   • You can also perform a general plugin conflict test by deactivating all plugins and reactivating them one by one to identify the problematic plugin.
4. Theme Issues:
   • Sometimes themes can cause conflicts. Try switching to a default theme like Twenty Twenty-One to see if the issue persists.
5. Caching:
   • Clear all caches on your site through your caching plugin or server-side caching. Sometimes, cached URLs can cause redirection issues.
6. Database Check:
   • It’s possible that database corruption or changes might have affected your settings. You can use tools like phpMyAdmin to check the wp_options table for your siteurl and home settings, ensuring they’re correct.

If you’ve tried all these steps and the issue still persists, it could be related to server configurations or deeper database problems. In such cases, it might be helpful to consult with a professional developer or reach out to your hosting provider for further assistance.