Check broken links online
Broken Link Checker helps you find broken links on your website and understand where users or search engines are leading to the broken URL. Simply enter the URL, run the check, and review the errors found. You can then update the link, set up a redirect, or remove the unnecessary link.
The broken link checker starts with the website address or a specific page. The checker sequentially accesses the found URLs, obtains the server response code, and flags the URLs that require attention. This allows you to check for broken links without manually clicking through each menu item, product page, or article.
For a quick, one-time diagnosis, an online broken link checker is suitable. This format doesn't require installing a separate program and is convenient after updating a website, changing a URL, or bulk editing content.
What does Broken Link Checker check?
Broken link checker analyzes links found on the pages being checked and compares the URLs with server responses. This allows you to see the problematic URL, the page it's located on, and the technical reason why the link isn't working correctly.
When checking, it's helpful to distinguish between internal and external links. For the website owner, these are different tasks: an internal address can usually be corrected independently, while an external resource is under the control of another owner.
Internal links
Internal links connect pages on the same domain and help users navigate between sections. If one of the pages is deleted, moved, or given a new address, the old link may still appear in the menu, text, product page, or other block.
Such errors are especially noticeable after changes to the site structure. Internal links continue to point to the old URL, so the visitor receives an inaccessible page, and the crawler wastes time on unnecessary navigation.
External links
External links point to other domains, so their status can't be constantly monitored. The owner of a third-party website can delete content, change the URL structure, close the document, or move the content without preserving the original address.
Checking such transitions is especially useful in older articles, studies, and resource collections. A broken link diminishes the usefulness of the material and forces the visitor to search for the information themselves.
HTTP codes and errors
When a URL is accessed, the server returns an HTTP status code. A successful response typically falls under the 2xx group, redirects are assigned to 3xx, client errors are assigned to 4xx, and server problems are indicated by 5xx codes.
404 Not Found indicates that the resource at the specified address was not found. The report may also include server errors, timeouts, DNS errors, and other technical responses if the server was unable to correctly process the request.
What data does a broken link check show?
The set of fields depends on the specific version of the tool, but for technical work, the source URL, final URL, and server response code are particularly useful. This data helps understand the location of the error and what happens after the transition.
When analyzing the results, first differentiate between internal and external issues. Internal URLs can usually be fixed immediately, while third-party resources require manual review first.
| Data | What they show | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Original page | The URL where the problematic link is located | Open the page and find the corresponding transition |
| Broken URL | The address of the resource that does not open correctly | Check the existence of the page and the correctness of the address |
| HTTP code | Server response result | Determine the type of error or redirect |
| Link type | Internal or external transition | Select the correction method and priority |
| Redirect | Redirection between URLs | Check the end page and the need for a chain |
The page where the link was found
The source page shows the location where the search robot or user encounters the problematic transition. This is much more convenient than a simple list of unavailable URLs, especially for large amounts of content.
If the same link is used in a common template, the error can be repeated across hundreds of documents. In this situation, you should correct the overall site element rather than edit each page individually.
Broken URL
A broken link may lead to an internal document, external site, image, or other resource. It's important to manually check the destination URL to rule out a temporary server outage or automated request limitation.
Sometimes an image link returns an error, even though the main HTML page opens normally. In some system reports, this problem may be reported as "missing image".
HTTP status code
The HTTP status code helps distinguish a deleted page from a redirect or temporary server error. For example, 404 refers to a missing resource, while a 5xx response typically indicates a server-side problem.
You can use a separate 404 link checker to check for errors, but when auditing a site, it's more convenient to see the code alongside the source page. The context reduces the time spent on finding the cause.
Internal or external link
An internal redirect is under the site owner's control, so it can usually be fixed immediately. With an external URL, the situation is different: the source may be temporarily unresponsive or restrict access to automated requests.
Separating these types helps you prioritize. It's best to first organize your own structure and then check the third-party sources used in your materials.
Redirects and redirect chains
A redirect by itself doesn't indicate an error. However, a chain of redirects consisting of several consecutive hops lengthens the route and sometimes leads to an address that no longer exists.
Redirect loops, where multiple URLs redirect requests to each other, should be checked separately. Such a route doesn't lead the user to the final page and requires correcting the redirect rules.
How to use Broken Link Checker?
To launch a check, simply enter the page or website address in the form and begin scanning. Website Broken Link Checker sequentially checks the detected URLs and generates a report that can be used as a to-do list for repairs.
Before you begin, it's best to specify the full address with the protocol, for example, https://example.com/. This reduces the likelihood of ambiguous domain processing and helps you verify the correct version of the site.
Specify the website URL
Enter the full address of the website or page you want to check. If the resource uses HTTPS, use the current URL along with the protocol and primary domain.
Before launching, it's a good idea to ensure the correct address is specified, free of unnecessary parameters and typos. Otherwise, the site scan will begin with a URL that already contains an error.
Run the scan
Once launched, the checker accesses the found links and obtains a response code for each available address. The duration of the check depends on the page size, the number of links, and the response speed of third-party servers.
Some resources restrict automated requests via robots.txt, SSL settings, or bot protection. Therefore, it's best to manually double-check any unavailable responses before making changes to the page.
Study the errors found
Pay particular attention to lines that indicate an error response code or that the resource cannot be accessed normally. A useful audit report shows the source page, the destination URL, and the type of issue detected.
The source page is especially important for large websites, as the same URL may appear in multiple content. This makes it easier to find where the link needs to be corrected.
Fix problematic links
After analyzing the report, select the appropriate action for each URL. Sometimes updating the URL is sufficient, while other times a redirect, page restoration, or complete removal of the old link is required.
After making edits, it's a good idea to run the broken link checker again. This re-check helps ensure that the corrected link returns the expected response and doesn't create a new error.
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Broken Link Checker by Seo-Gen
Seo-Gen's Broken Link Checker helps you check links and quickly identify URLs that require attention. This tool is suitable for technical checks after website migrations, structure changes, redesigns, or mass content updates.
The user receives data that can be used to identify the source page, verify the final URL, and select a correction method. This format is more convenient than manual review, especially when the site already contains dozens or hundreds of documents.
Checking broken links is useful for developers, SEO specialists, editors, and website owners. Everyone sees a specific URL and can immediately fix it, rather than searching for the problem throughout the entire project.
If you need to quickly check your site, paste the URL into the Broken Link Checker form and run the analysis. After receiving the results, first resolve the internal errors, then check external sources, and repeat the scan after making any changes.
Answers to your questions
What is Broken Link Checker?
Broken Link Checker checks links on a page or website and helps find addresses that return errors or no longer lead to the expected resource. The report allows you to match the problematic address with the location where it's used.
This type of analysis reduces manual work during technical audits. Instead of opening each link one by one, the user receives a list of URLs that need to be checked and corrected.
How to check a website for broken links?
Enter the full website URL in the form and run the scan. Once the analysis is complete, review the addresses with errors, their HTTP codes, and the pages where problematic transitions were detected.
Next, each URL needs to be manually checked and the appropriate action chosen. Typically, changing the link, deleting it, restoring the page, or setting up a relevant redirect is sufficient.
What does 404 error mean when checking a link?
A 404 response means the server is available but cannot find the requested resource at the specified address. This could be due to the page being removed, the URL having changed, or a simple link error.
Not every 404 response requires a redirect. If the page is truly deleted and no longer used, this code may be a normal result of processing the old URL.
Do broken links affect SEO?
A single broken link usually doesn't automatically cause a ranking drop. However, a large number of broken internal links impairs navigation, creates unnecessary crawling routes, and disrupts the interlinking structure.
I don't consider any URL with a 404 code to be an SEO issue. If the page has truly been deleted and no one links to it, a 404 response may be normal. The problem arises when internal links continue to point to such a URL: the user ends up in a dead end, and the search engine crawls an address that's no longer part of the site's structure. Therefore, after checking, I first fix the broken internal links and only then address the less critical external errors.
Do I need to set a 301 redirect for every broken link?
No, a universal redirect for every deleted URL creates new problems. A 301 makes sense when there's a relevant new page that truly replaces the old document.
If there's no suitable replacement, it's best to update or remove the link. Redirecting all deleted URLs to the home page typically doesn't help users get the information they need.
How to find broken links on a large website?
A large project requires a tool that automatically crawls the site and verifies the URLs found. Manual scanning quickly becomes impractical when the number of pages is in the hundreds or thousands.
After scanning, it's best to sort errors by type and priority. First, analyze internal URLs and common elements, then move on to external links and less critical pages.
Should external links be checked?
Yes, because the status of a third-party resource can change independently of your site. The author might delete an article, move a file, change the structure, or completely shut down the domain.
Checking external links is especially helpful in older expert materials. If a source is no longer available, it should be replaced with a current page containing comparable information.
How often should I check for broken links?
There's no universal interval, as websites update at different rates. An online store or news project with daily changes requires more frequent monitoring than a small corporate website.
Mandatory testing is required after migrations, redesigns, URL structure changes, and mass page deletions. For stable projects, it can be included in a scheduled technical audit.
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Broken links are easier to fix before they accumulate in menus, old content, and internal templates. Regular checking helps you identify the specific problematic URL, find the source page, and choose the appropriate action without unnecessary manual searching.
Run Broken Link Checker, enter the website address, and check for any errors. First, fix internal links and important pages, then update external sources and recheck after making changes.
We reply within one business day. No newsletters, no “just a reminder” calls.
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More on: Broken Link Checker – check for broken links
What is a broken link?
A broken link is a link to a page, file, or other resource that is no longer accessible at the specified address. A user clicks on the link, expecting to access the desired information, but receives an error, a redirect to an inappropriate location, or no response at all.
English-language services use the terms "broken link" and "dead link". Therefore, the queries "dead link checker", "broken links checker", and "broken url checker" all refer to the same task: identifying URLs that have stopped working properly.
Why do broken links appear?
The reasons are usually related to changes in the site's structure or content. The page may have been deleted, given a new slug, moved to a different section, or disappeared along with the external resource it previously linked to.
Problems also arise due to typos in hrefs, incorrect protocol, incomplete relative URLs, or errors when importing content. The more frequently a site changes, the more likely it is that such URLs will accumulate.
The page has been removed
A deleted page may remain in internal links after catalog cleanup, product removal, or deletion of outdated content. The server no longer serves the content, but other pages continue to link to the old URL.
In such a situation, the first step is to determine whether a suitable replacement exists. If there is no similar page, the link is usually removed to prevent visitors from being directed to the inaccessible URL.
The page address has changed
URLs often change when moving content between sections, switching CMSs, or revising the site structure. The new address works fine, but the old links within the content continue to point to the same route.
If the page has indeed moved, you can update the URL in the original document or set up a 301 redirect from the old address. The choice depends on the reason for the change and the number of places the old link is used.
Error in URL
An incorrect URL can be caused by a typo, an extra character, an incorrect domain, or an incorrect relative path. Such errors are sometimes invisible to the editor because the link text itself appears correct.
URL inspection shows the actual redirect address, so you can find the error without manually reviewing the HTML. Afterward, simply correct the href and recheck the page.
The external resource has ceased to exist.
Third-party materials also disappear or move. The old source may be closed, the publication may be deleted by the author, and the file may be moved to another directory without preserving the original URL.
For the user, the result is the same: the link no longer provides the expected information. In this case, it's best to find a more current source or delete the link if there's no suitable replacement.
Why do broken links harm a website?
A single 404 error doesn't necessarily mean a site will lose rankings. The problem arises when visitors and search engines regularly receive links to URLs that are no longer part of the site's normal structure.
A large number of such transitions impairs navigation, complicates maintenance, and creates unnecessary scanning paths. This is especially noticeable in online stores, catalogs, and large information projects.
User experience
The visitor perceives a link as a promise to open the desired page. When an error appears instead of a product, instructions, or article, the user is forced to go back and search for the desired section themselves.
This scenario degrades the user experience and can interrupt the path to an order, application, or useful information. Therefore, links in menus, cards, and primary CTAs should be checked first.
Site scanning by search robots
A search engine robot uses links to crawl pages and discover new content. If a site retains many clicks to deleted URLs, some of the crawling occurs on addresses that no longer contain useful information.
For large projects, this creates an unnecessary burden on the crawl budget. Googlebot may repeatedly encounter the same erroneous routes as long as internal links remain in templates or content.
Internal linking
Internal links help convey context between related pages and create a clear section structure. When a navigation leads to a remote URL, this link ceases to serve its navigational purpose.
The link's practical value in terms of link equity is also lost. Therefore, after deleting or moving important pages, it's important to check which documents continue to link to the old address.
Trust in the site
Several broken transitions in key sections create the impression that the site hasn't been maintained for a long time. This is especially noticeable in commercial sections, help sections, documents, and terms of service pages.
Regularly checking your website for broken links helps identify such errors before they accumulate. For large projects, it's best to include this task in your regular technical monitoring.
How to fix broken links on a website?
The fix depends on why the URL stopped working. There's no universal rule for all 404 errors: sometimes a new URL is required, sometimes a redirect, and sometimes simply deleting the old link is easier and more effective.
Before making a change, it's important to check whether the disabled page has a valid replacement, external traffic, and incoming links. For valuable URLs, it's best to make a decision after a brief SEO analysis.
Update link URL
If the material exists at a new address, the most direct option is to change the link on the source page. The user will immediately be directed to the desired document without further redirection.
This method works well for internal links in articles, cards, and navigation blocks. After changing the address, you should recheck the page to ensure the new URL is accessible.
Set up a 301 redirect
A 301 redirect is suitable for a page that has permanently moved to a relevant new address. It's especially useful when the old URL already has external links, search traffic, or is used off-site.
There's no need to redirect every deleted document to the homepage. If there's no suitable replacement, such a rule can create an irrelevant user flow and complicate the redirect structure.
Remove unnecessary link
If the resource no longer exists and there's no viable replacement, you can remove the link, preserving the text if necessary. This is better than accidentally linking to an irrelevant page.
Removing a link should be done after checking the context. Sometimes, a new source can be added nearby that better reflects the content and maintains the usefulness of the block for the user.
Recover a deleted page
Sometimes a page is deleted accidentally, although internal or external links still point to it. If the content remains useful and fits the current site structure, restoring it may be wiser than a redirect.
Before reverting a page, check its content, relevance, and search intent. Indexing outdated material without updating it rarely solves the underlying problem.
Check images and other resources
Broken links aren't limited to just regular HTML links. The error can also appear with an image, PDF file, document, stylesheet, or other resource that has been deleted or moved.
If the file is used on important pages, it should be restored or replaced with the correct address. For CSS and JS, additionally check the error's impact on the site's display and functionality.
Which broken links should be fixed first?
It's best to start with errors that affect users, search traffic, and key commercial pages. This order will resolve real issues faster than mechanically fixing the list from top to bottom.
Priority depends on the link's location, the number of pages with the error, and the value of the final URL. An error in the secondary menu is usually more important than a single external link in an old article.
Internal links to important pages
First, check categories, services, products, contact pages, and other URLs that are involved in user flows. A broken link here can interfere with sales, requests, or finding the necessary information.
Pages with organic traffic and external links require special attention. Before removing such a URL, you need to decide which URL should take users to it instead.
Links from the main menu and other cross-cutting blocks
An error in the menu, footer, breadcrumbs, or general CTA is repeated across numerous pages. A single template fix often resolves hundreds of identical issues.
Such links are also given high priority because they are regularly seen by visitors. It's a good idea to check cross-cutting elements after every significant change to the site's structure.
Links to pages with external links and traffic
If the remote URL receives traffic from other sites, a simple 404 response can result in the loss of valuable traffic. First, find the current relevant page and verify that it can be redirected correctly.
It's important to consider the context of the old document. The new URL must address the same or similar user needs, otherwise the redirect won't solve the original problem.
External links in old content
Old articles gradually accumulate references to missing studies, services, and documents. Such errors usually don't require immediate technical attention, but they should be corrected as part of a scheduled content update.
When replacing a source, it's best to choose a page with the same fact or material referenced in the original text. A simple link to the website's homepage is rarely a complete replacement.
When should you check your website for broken links?
The frequency of checks depends on how actively the site changes. A project where pages are added and removed daily requires more regular monitoring than a small corporate site with a stable structure.
A one-time check is convenient after any major technical changes. It helps quickly identify errors that went unnoticed during the transfer or publication.
After the site transfer
During migration, the CMS, domain, directory structure, and URL generation rules change. Even with a prepared redirect map, some internal links may remain linked to the old URLs.
After launching a new website, you need to check the menu, content, images, and key templates. Pay special attention to URLs that previously received organic traffic.
After a redesign or restructuring
A redesign often affects navigation, CTA blocks, breadcrumbs, and internal links. Visually, the page may look correct, even though some traffic is already pointing to old URLs.
Post-publishing testing helps catch such errors before they become permanent navigation. It's especially helpful to check both the mobile and desktop versions of common elements.
After mass deletion of pages
Online stores and catalogs regularly remove products, services, or entire categories. If pages are removed without checking incoming links, a large number of erroneous clicks quickly appear within the site.
After the bulk cleanup, it's a good idea to run a broken link checker and review important deleted URLs separately. Some pages will require redirects, while other links can be updated or removed.
Regularly on large sites
Large projects are constantly changing, so a single review quickly becomes irrelevant. The optimal frequency depends on the speed of publications, page deletions, and the workload of editors.
For a website that's being actively updated, this check can be included in a regular technical audit. For a small, stable project, monitoring after significant changes and periodic maintenance is usually sufficient.