Making a Custom 404 Page in Next.js (Beginner-Friendly Guide)

You know that sinking feeling when you’re super excited about deploying your shiny new project, only to find that a broken link throws users straight into the ugly default 404 error page? 😬

I still remember my first Next.js project—everything was smooth until a client clicked a wrong link and was greeted with that plain, lifeless “Page Not Found” message. Their first reaction? “Is something broken?”

That’s when I realized: a custom 404 page isn’t just about fixing an error, it’s about keeping users engaged even when they wander off the right path.

So today, let’s learn how to create a clean, branded, and user-friendly custom 404 page in Next.js—step by step. Trust me, it’s easier than you think! 🚀

Why Bother With a Custom 404 Page?

Before we jump into code, let’s quickly address the “why.”

A custom 404 page:

• Keeps users on your site instead of bouncing away.
• Shows your brand’s personality (funny message, helpful links, etc.).
• Helps users find their way back with navigation or search.

Think of it like putting up a friendly “Detour” sign instead of just leaving people stranded on a dead-end road.

Step 1: Create a 404.js File

In Next.js, adding a custom 404 page is as simple as creating a file named 404.js inside the pages folder.

👉 File structure:

my-next-app/
 ┣ pages/
 ┃ ┣ index.js
 ┃ ┣ about.js
 ┃ ┗ 404.js   👈 our custom page

Step 2: Add a Basic Custom 404 Page

Here’s the simplest version you can start with:

// pages/404.js
import Link from "next/link";

export default function Custom404() {
  return (
    <div style={{ textAlign: "center", marginTop: "50px" }}>
      <h1>404 - Page Not Found 😢</h1>
      <p>Oops! The page you’re looking for doesn’t exist.</p>
      <Link href="/">
        <a style={{ color: "blue", textDecoration: "underline" }}>Go Back Home</a>
      </Link>
    </div>
  );
}

What’s happening here?

• We’re overriding the default Next.js 404 page.
• Added a friendly message.
• Provided a link back to the homepage.

Step 3: Make It Look Awesome 🎨

Let’s make our 404 page look like it belongs to your app. You can add some CSS or Tailwind styles.

Example with Tailwind CSS:

// pages/404.js
import Link from "next/link";

export default function Custom404() {
  return (
    <div className="flex flex-col items-center justify-center h-screen text-center">
      <h1 className="text-6xl font-bold text-red-600">404</h1>
      <p className="mt-4 text-lg">Oops! Page not found.</p>
      <Link href="/">
        <a className="mt-6 px-4 py-2 bg-blue-600 text-white rounded-lg hover:bg-blue-700">
          Back to Home
        </a>
      </Link>
    </div>
  );
}

Now instead of a boring white screen, you’ve got a polished, branded error page.

Step 4: Add Some Personality ✨

Want to make your 404 page fun? Here are a few ideas:

• Add an image or illustration (maybe a lost astronaut 🧑‍🚀).
• Use a funny line, like “Looks like you took a wrong turn in the multiverse!”
• Include a search bar so users can quickly find what they need.

Remember, even errors can create a positive experience.

Pro Tip 💡

If you want a catch-all error page (for things like server errors too), you can create a _error.js file in the pages directory. But for most use cases, a custom 404.js is enough.

Quick Recap

We just built a custom 404 page in Next.js by:

1. Creating a 404.js file inside the pages folder.
2. Adding a friendly message and a “Back Home” link.
3. Styling it to match your brand (using CSS or Tailwind).
4. Adding personality with images, humor, or search options.

Beginner-Friendly FAQ 🤔

Q1: Do I always need a 404.js file in Next.js?
👉 Not really. Next.js provides a default 404 page. But adding your own makes your site feel more professional.

Q2: Can I add animations or GIFs to my 404 page?
👉 Absolutely! You can use CSS animations, Lottie files, or even a meme GIF to make it more fun.

Q3: What’s the difference between 404.js and _error.js?
👉 404.js is just for “Page Not Found” errors, while _error.js handles all errors (like 500 server errors).

Final Words

Creating a custom 404 page in Next.js takes just a few minutes, but it leaves a lasting impression on your users. Instead of making them feel lost, you’re guiding them back with style.

So go ahead—build one today, add a personal touch, and make sure your visitors never feel abandoned again.

Have you ever seen a really cool 404 page that stuck in your memory? Drop it in the comments—I’d love to check it out!