Gone Response
Show the 404 page content with a 410 Gone status for all 404 errors.
Use with caution
Gone Response works, but test it on a staging site before relying on it in 2026. It runs on 300+ sites, is rated 4.5/5 and was last updated 10 months ago, and scores 51/100 on our health check.
- Small user base (300+ active installs)
- Only tested up to WordPress 6.9 (latest is 7.1)
How does it stack up?
Side-by-side on installs, updates, ratings & support
Daily downloads
Download spikes usually follow a new release — each site that auto-updates counts as a download.
Rankings
Where Gone Response stands todayWordPress.org search rankings
Live position in the plugin search, top 100| Keyword | Position |
|---|---|
| 404 error | #49 |
| 410 status | #3 |
| Custom 410 Status for 404 Errors | #5 |
| redirect | >100 |
| seo | >100 |
Version adoption
Share of active sites per release.
Rating breakdown
★★★★★★★★★★ 4.5 from 6 reviews
About Gone Response
From the official readme · v1.1Description
This plugin returns a 410 Gone HTTP status for all 404 errors while still displaying the 404 content to users. Useful for SEO and notifying search engines that the page is gone, but still showing users the default 404 page content.
Key Features
- Automatic 410 Status for Missing Pages – Automatically sends a 410 Gone HTTP status for all 404 errors, helping search engines recognize permanently removed content.
- Retains 404 Page Content – Displays your theme’s default 404 page content to users, preserving the user experience while signaling the page is gone.
- SEO-Friendly – Enhances SEO by informing search engines that removed pages are permanently gone, which can aid in quicker de-indexing of outdated URLs.
- Lightweight and Hassle-Free – Simple, efficient functionality with no configuration required, making it easy to install and use without any setup.
- Compatible with All Themes – Works seamlessly with any WordPress theme, using the theme’s existing 404 template for consistent branding and design.
This plugin is ideal for site owners looking to manage removed pages effectively while improving SEO and user experience.
Stay connected
License
This plugin is licensed under the GPLv2 or later license. For more information, see https://www.gnu.org/licenses/gpl-2.0.html.
Installation
- Upload the plugin files to the
/wp-content/plugins/directory, or install the plugin through the WordPress plugins screen directly. - Activate the plugin through the ‘Plugins’ screen in WordPress.
- That’s it! The plugin will automatically send a 410 HTTP status for all 404 errors.
Frequently asked questions
Why should I use a 410 status instead of 404?
A 410 status informs search engines that a page is permanently gone, unlike a 404 which means the page could come back. This helps improve your SEO by ensuring search engines de-index pages that are permanently removed.
Can I customize the content shown to users?
This plugin retains the standard 404 template used by your theme, so you can still customize your 404 page layout and content through your theme settings.
Changelog
Compatibility update for WordPress 6.9
1.1
- Updated compatibility: Tested up to WordPress 6.9
1.0
- Initial release of the plugin.
For developers
Is this your plugin? Show off the numbers.
Add a live badge to your site, docs or GitHub README. It updates on its own — no account needed.
Best Gone Response alternatives
All 404 error plugins →
FAQ
Gone Response: quick answers
Straight answers, pulled from live WordPress.org data.
Live data from WordPress.org · checked Oct 11, 2026
Is Gone Response free?
Yes. Gone Response is free to download and use from the official WordPress.org plugin directory.
Is Gone Response safe to use in 2026?
Gone Response works, but test it on a staging site before relying on it in 2026. It runs on 300+ sites, is rated 4.5/5 and was last updated 10 months ago, and scores 51/100 on our health check.
How many websites use Gone Response?
Gone Response is active on 300+ WordPress websites and has been downloaded 2,476 times since it launched in November 2024. It was downloaded 217 times in the last 30 days.
Does Gone Response work with WordPress 7.1?
Gone Response is officially tested up to WordPress 6.9.10, while the latest release is 7.1.3. It may still work, but try it on a staging site first.
What PHP version does Gone Response need?
Gone Response requires PHP 7.1 or higher. Most hosts run PHP 8.x today, so it works on any modern WordPress hosting.
When was Gone Response last updated?
The latest version, 1.1, was released on December 10, 2025 (10 months ago).
Who makes Gone Response?
Gone Response is developed and maintained by Kurban Ali.
What are the best alternatives to Gone Response?
The most popular alternatives to Gone Response are All 404 Redirect to Homepage (200K+ installs), Smart Custom 404 Error Page (100K+ installs) and Redirect 404 to Homepage (60K+ installs).
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