Category: Queries & Pagination

Solution previous_posts_link and next_posts_link Not Working

If you are using WordPress and find that the previous_posts_link() and next_posts_link() functions are not working as expected, this guide will help you quickly fix the issue. These functions are essential for navigating between paginated blog posts or archive pages, and when they fail, it can disrupt user experience and site navigation.

Quick Fix

1. Ensure you are using query_posts() or the main query properly without overwriting it incorrectly.
2. Use paginate_links() or the correct loop structure if you have a custom query.
3. Verify that your theme’s index.php, archive.php, or relevant template files include the pagination functions inside the main loop.
4. Check your permalink settings and flush rewrite rules by saving permalinks again in the WordPress admin.
5. Make sure you are not calling these functions outside the WordPress Loop or without a proper query context.

Why This Happens

The previous_posts_link() and next_posts_link() functions rely on the global WordPress query object ($wp_query) to determine pagination. If you modify the query incorrectly, such as by using query_posts() improperly or creating a new WP_Query without setting up pagination parameters, these functions won’t work because they don’t have the correct context.

Additionally, calling these functions outside the loop or on pages without pagination will cause them to fail or not display links. Permalink issues or rewrite rules can also interfere with pagination URLs.

Step-by-Step

1. Check your main query usage: Avoid using query_posts() as it overrides the main query and can break pagination. Instead, use pre_get_posts filter or WP_Query properly.
2. Use the main loop for pagination: Make sure your pagination functions are inside the main loop or use the global $wp_query.
3. Flush rewrite rules: Go to Settings > Permalinks in your WordPress admin and click “Save Changes” to refresh rewrite rules.
4. Implement correct pagination for custom queries: If you use a custom WP_Query, pass the current page parameter and use paginate_links() or custom pagination code.
5. Test your pagination: Navigate through your blog or archive pages to verify that the previous and next links appear and work correctly.

Code Snippets

Correct Usage in Main Loop (index.php or archive.php)

<?php if ( have_posts() ) : ?>
  <?php while ( have_posts() ) : the_post(); ?>
    <h2><?php the_title(); ?></h2>
    <div><?php the_excerpt(); ?></div>
  <?php endwhile; ?>

  <div class="pagination">
    <?php previous_posts_link('Newer Posts'); ?>
    <?php next_posts_link('Older Posts'); ?>
  </div>

<?php else : ?>
  <p>No posts found.</p>
<?php endif; ?>

Proper Custom Query Pagination

<?php
$paged = ( get_query_var('paged') ) ? get_query_var('paged') : 1;

$args = array(
  'post_type' => 'post',
  'posts_per_page' => 5,
  'paged' => $paged,
);

$custom_query = new WP_Query( $args );

if ( $custom_query->have_posts() ) :
  while ( $custom_query->have_posts() ) : $custom_query->the_post();
    ?>
    <h2><?php the_title(); ?></h2>
    <div><?php the_excerpt(); ?></div>
    <?php
  endwhile;

  $big = 999999999; // need an unlikely integer

  echo paginate_links( array(
    'base' => str_replace( $big, '%#%', esc_url( get_pagenum_link( $big ) ) ),
    'format' => '?paged=%#%',
    'current' => max( 1, get_query_var('paged') ),
    'total' => $custom_query->max_num_pages
  ) );

  wp_reset_postdata();
else :
  ?>
  <p>No posts found.</p>
  <?php
endif;
?>

Common Pitfalls

• Using query_posts() without resetting the query causes pagination to break.
• Calling previous_posts_link() and next_posts_link() outside the loop or outside the main query context.
• Not passing the paged parameter in custom queries.
• Permalink structure issues that require flushing rewrite rules.
• Using custom queries without resetting post data (wp_reset_postdata()).

Test & Verify

1. Visit your blog or archive page with multiple pages of posts.
2. Check if the “Older Posts” and “Newer Posts” links appear at the bottom.
3. Click the links to navigate between pages and verify the URL changes correctly.
4. If using a custom query, ensure the pagination links reflect the correct page numbers.
5. Use browser developer tools to check for any JavaScript or PHP errors.

Wrap-up

Fixing previous_posts_link() and next_posts_link() not working usually involves ensuring proper use of the WordPress query system and pagination parameters. Avoid overriding the main query incorrectly, always pass the paged parameter for custom queries, and flush rewrite rules after permalink changes. Following the steps and code examples above will restore pagination functionality on your WordPress site.

Works on: Apache, Nginx, LiteSpeed servers; compatible with cPanel and Plesk hosting environments; WordPress versions 4…