Broken Link Checker – Check Broken Links Online for Free

Our Broken Link Checker is a free website link checker tool designed to identify broken, dead, unavailable, and potentially incorrect links on a webpage.

Use our free Broken Link Checker to analyze supported internal and external links quickly. Simply enter the complete webpage URL and start the analysis. The tool checks detected links and displays available link status information in an easy-to-understand format.

Broken links can create a poor user experience. A visitor may click a link expecting useful information but instead reach a 404 error page, unavailable resource, or incorrect destination.

Website owners, bloggers, web developers, SEO professionals, digital marketers, content creators, freelancers, and small business owners can use a Broken Link Checker as part of regular website maintenance and technical SEO analysis.

Our free online Broken Link Checker helps you perform basic link analysis without manually clicking every link on a webpage.

What Is a Broken Link?

A broken link is a hyperlink that does not take visitors to the intended working webpage or online resource.

When an invalid URL is requested, the destination may display an error, become unavailable, or no longer exist.

For example, a website may contain a link to:

https://example.com/old-seo-guide

If the linked page has been deleted and no suitable redirect exists, visitors may receive a 404 Not Found error.

Broken links are also commonly called:

• Dead links

• Dead URLs

• Invalid links

• Unavailable links

• Link errors

• 404 links

A broken link can be either an internal link or an external link.

What Is an Internal Broken Link?

An internal broken link points to another page on the same website, but the destination page is unavailable, deleted, or incorrectly linked.

For example, an old blog article may link to a tool page that has since been removed or moved to a different URL.

Internal broken links are generally easier for website owners to fix because they control the website and its URL structure.

What Is an External Broken Link?

An external broken link points to a webpage on another website or domain that is no longer available at the linked address.

Third-party websites may change their URL structures, delete content, move resources, or shut down completely.

Because website owners do not control external websites, outgoing links should be reviewed periodically.

What Is a Broken Link Checker?

A Broken Link Checker is an online tool designed to detect hyperlinks on a webpage and analyze available link status information.

Instead of manually clicking every hyperlink, users can enter a webpage URL and start an automated link analysis.

Depending on the tool's features, results may include:

• Total links

• Working links

• Broken links

• Internal links

• External links

• Link URLs

• HTTP status codes

• Redirected links

• 404 errors

• Server errors

• Other supported link information

The purpose of a Broken Link Checker is to make basic website link auditing faster and easier.

Always review important results before making major website changes.

How to Use the Broken Link Checker

Our free Broken Link Checker is designed to be simple and easy to use.

Step 1: Copy the Full Webpage URL

Select the webpage you want to analyze and copy its complete URL.

For example:

https://example.com/seo-guide

Using the exact URL is important because every webpage may contain different internal and external links.

Step 2: Enter the Webpage URL

Paste the complete webpage address into the Broken Link Checker input field.

Check the URL carefully before starting the analysis.

Step 3: Start the Broken Link Check

Click the available Check Broken Links or Analyze Links button.

The tool will begin processing the submitted webpage.

Step 4: Wait for Link Analysis

Allow the checker to analyze supported webpage content and detect hyperlinks.

Processing time may vary depending on the number of links, webpage response time, external resources, and the tool's analysis system.

Step 5: Review Broken Link Results

Review the available link information displayed in the results.

Look for unavailable URLs, error status codes, 404 pages, and unexpected redirects.

Step 6: Investigate and Fix Link Problems

Manually verify important destinations before removing or changing links.

You may need to update an incorrect URL, replace an outdated resource, remove an unnecessary dead link, or configure an appropriate redirect for a URL you control.

How Does a Broken Link Checker Work?

A Broken Link Checker processes supported webpage content and examines detected hyperlinks.

The exact analysis process may vary between tools.

Webpage URL Processing

The checker first processes the URL submitted by the user.

It may validate the URL format before beginning analysis.

Webpage Access

The tool attempts to retrieve publicly accessible webpage information.

Pages protected by authentication or special access restrictions may not be available for analysis.

Link Detection

The checker examines supported HTML elements for hyperlinks.

Links are commonly found in standard HTML anchor elements.

Link Status Checking

Detected URLs may be checked for supported response and availability information.

The checker may identify HTTP status codes and other available link information.

Result Generation

Detected link data is organized and displayed in an easy-to-read report.

Temporary server problems, security systems, access restrictions, and rate limits may sometimes affect link-checking results.

Why Are Broken Links Bad for a Website?

Broken links can negatively affect website usability, navigation, and maintenance.

Poor User Experience

Visitors expect links to lead to useful information.

Repeatedly reaching unavailable pages or error messages can create frustration.

Difficult Website Navigation

Broken internal links can make it difficult for visitors to move between related pages.

For example, a blog post linking to a deleted SEO tool may interrupt the visitor's journey through the website.

Outdated Content

Broken external links can indicate that an article or resource has not been reviewed recently.

Lost Conversion Opportunities

A broken link to a service page, contact page, pricing page, registration page, or product page may prevent visitors from completing an important action.

Website Maintenance Problems

A large number of broken internal links may indicate problems with URL management, website migration, or restructuring.

Are Broken Links Important for SEO?

Broken link analysis can be included in a broader technical SEO audit.

Using a Broken Link Checker does not guarantee improved search engine rankings. However, identifying broken links can help website owners discover technical and usability problems.

Review Internal Linking

Internal links connect related pages within a website.

Checking internal links can help identify hyperlinks pointing to deleted or incorrect URLs.

Improve Website Navigation

Working links help visitors navigate between relevant webpages.

Support Technical SEO Audits

Broken link analysis can be combined with:

• Robots.txt checks

• XML sitemap analysis

• Robots Meta Checker

• Canonical URL analysis

• HTTP status checking

• Internal link analysis

• Page speed testing

• Mobile usability analysis

• Structured data checking

• Content quality reviews

Identify Outdated External Resources

External resources may disappear or move over time.

Regular link reviews can help identify links that need to be updated.

Understanding HTTP Status Codes in Broken Link Analysis

HTTP status information can provide useful details about what happens when a URL is requested.

200 Status Code

A 200 status code generally indicates that the requested resource was successfully returned.

You should still verify that the URL leads to the correct content.

301 Redirect

A 301 status code generally represents a permanent redirect.

The original URL sends users to another address.

For internal links you control, consider updating links to point directly to the appropriate final URL when relevant.

302 Redirect

A 302 response usually represents a temporary redirect.

Review the purpose of the redirect before changing the link.

404 Not Found

A 404 response indicates that the requested resource could not be found.

404 URLs are commonly associated with broken links.

403 Forbidden

A 403 response indicates that access to the requested resource is restricted.

It does not necessarily mean that the page has been deleted.

500 Server Error

A 500-level error usually indicates a server-side problem.

Temporary server problems can affect Broken Link Checker results, so verify important errors before making changes.

Common Causes of Broken Links

Broken links can appear for many different reasons.

A Webpage Was Deleted

A webpage may have been removed without updating links pointing to it.

The URL Was Changed

Website owners sometimes change URL slugs when updating content.

For example:

/old-seo-tool

may become:

/free-seo-tool

Without an appropriate redirect, links pointing to the old URL may stop working.

Website Migration Problems

Moving a website to a new domain, CMS, or URL structure can create broken links.

Typing Errors in URLs

A simple spelling mistake in a URL can send visitors to an invalid destination.

External Content Was Removed

Third-party websites may delete or relocate content without notifying you.

Domain Expiration

An external domain may expire or stop operating.

Incorrect Relative Links

Incorrect HTML paths can cause internal hyperlinks to fail.

How to Fix Broken Internal Links

Website owners generally have greater control over internal broken links.

Update the Link URL

If the destination page still exists at a new address, update the hyperlink.

Restore the Deleted Page

If an important webpage was accidentally deleted, restoring the page may be appropriate.

Create a Relevant Redirect

If a page permanently moved, configure a suitable redirect to the most relevant destination.

Avoid redirecting every 404 URL to the homepage.

Remove Unnecessary Links

If the destination no longer exists and there is no useful replacement, remove the hyperlink.

Replace the Link With a Relevant Page

When appropriate, replace the dead link with another helpful internal resource.

How to Fix Broken External Links

Website owners have less control over external websites, but broken external links can still be managed.

Find the New URL

The external content may have moved to a new location.

Check the official website for an updated resource.

Replace the Source

If the original resource is unavailable, find another relevant and trustworthy source.

Remove the Link

Remove an external link if it no longer provides value and no suitable replacement exists.

Update Old Articles

Review older content regularly because external URLs can change over time.

Broken Link Checker for Website Owners

Website owners can use a Broken Link Checker during routine website maintenance.

Check the Homepage

Review homepage links, navigation menus, and featured content.

Review Service Pages

Check links on service, contact, pricing, and important resource pages.

Analyze Important Landing Pages

High-value landing pages should provide visitors with working and relevant links.

Check After Website Updates

Theme, plugin, template, and website code changes can sometimes affect URLs.

Review important pages after major website updates.

Broken Link Checker for Bloggers

Bloggers may have hundreds or thousands of internal and external links.

Review Old Blog Posts

Older articles may link to resources that are no longer available.

Improve Internal Linking

Update links pointing to deleted or outdated blog URLs.

Update External Sources

Review external references and replace unavailable resources.

Check After Changing Permalinks

Changing a blog's permalink structure can break many internal links.

Perform a detailed link review after major URL changes.

Broken Link Checker for SEO Professionals

Broken link analysis can be part of technical and on-page SEO research.

Perform Page-Level Link Audits

Analyze important webpages individually.

Investigate 404 Errors

Identify 404 URLs and investigate where broken links originate.

Review Website Migrations

Check old and new URLs after moving or restructuring a website.

Review Internal Link Quality

Ensure internal hyperlinks lead to relevant and working webpages.

Analyze Public Competitor Resources

Public competitor webpages may be analyzed for general SEO research when supported by the tool.

Always use publicly available information responsibly.

Broken Links vs Backlinks

Broken links and backlinks are different SEO concepts.

What Is a Broken Link?

A broken link points to an unavailable, incorrect, or problematic destination.

What Is a Backlink?

A backlink is a hyperlink from another website pointing to your website.

A typical Broken Link Checker analyzes links contained on a webpage.

A Backlink Checker analyzes supported incoming link information.

Use the appropriate SEO tool for your specific research purpose.

How Often Should You Check for Broken Links?

There is no universal broken link checking schedule for every website.

The ideal frequency may depend on:

• Website size

• Number of webpages

• Publishing frequency

• Number of external links

• Website migrations

• URL changes

• Content updates

Frequently updated websites and important pages may require more regular link checks.

You should also review links after significant website changes.

Common Broken Link Checking Mistakes to Avoid

Broken link results should always be reviewed carefully.

Assuming Every Error Is Permanent

Temporary server or network problems may affect link results.

Verify important links before deleting them.

Checking Only the Homepage

Every webpage may contain different hyperlinks.

Review multiple important pages.

Ignoring Redirects

A URL may work but pass through several unnecessary redirects.

Review excessive redirect chains.

Redirecting Every Broken URL to the Homepage

A deleted URL should redirect to a relevant page when an appropriate replacement exists.

Ignoring External Links

Third-party resources can move or disappear over time.

Making Changes Without Testing

Always test important webpages after updating hyperlinks.

Frequently Asked Questions About Broken Link Checker

What Is a Broken Link Checker?

A Broken Link Checker is an online tool that analyzes links on a webpage to identify potentially broken, dead, or unavailable URLs.

Is the Broken Link Checker Free?

Yes. Our Broken Link Checker is available online for free basic link analysis.

How Do I Find Broken Links on a Website?

Enter the full webpage URL into the Broken Link Checker and start the analysis. Review the available link status information in the results.

What Is a Broken Link?

A broken link is a hyperlink pointing to a missing, unavailable, or non-working webpage or resource.

What Is a Dead Link?

A dead link is another term commonly used for a broken hyperlink that leads to an unavailable destination.

Are 404 Links Broken Links?

A hyperlink pointing to a URL that returns a 404 Not Found response is commonly considered a broken link.

Are Broken Links Bad for SEO?

Broken links may create website usability, navigation, and maintenance problems. Fixing broken links can support technical SEO maintenance, but it does not guarantee higher rankings.

Do Broken Links Affect User Experience?

Yes. Visitors may become frustrated when links repeatedly lead to unavailable pages.

Can I Check External Broken Links?

If supported by the tool, external links detected on a publicly accessible webpage can be analyzed.

Can I Check Internal Links?

Yes. A Broken Link Checker may detect supported internal links and analyze available link status information.

What Is the Difference Between a Broken Link and a Backlink?

A broken link points to an unavailable or problematic destination. A backlink is a link from another website pointing to your website.

Should I Delete Every Broken Link?

Not always. Depending on the situation, you can update the URL, replace the resource, restore the missing page, create an appropriate redirect, or remove the link.

How Do I Fix a 404 Link?

Identify the correct destination. You may need to update the hyperlink, restore the missing page, or configure an appropriate redirect.

Can a Temporary Server Error Appear as a Broken Link?

Yes. Temporary server, network, security, or access problems may affect link-checking results.

How Often Should I Check Broken Links?

Review important pages regularly and after major website changes, including URL updates, redesigns, migrations, and large content changes.

Does Fixing Broken Links Improve SEO?

Managing broken links can support website usability, navigation, and technical maintenance. However, it does not guarantee higher search engine rankings.

Why Do External Links Break?

External content may be deleted, moved to another URL, redirected, or hosted on a website that no longer operates.

Is a Redirect a Broken Link?

Not necessarily. A redirect may intentionally send visitors to a new URL. However, unnecessary or excessive redirect chains may require investigation.

Can a Broken Link Checker Check an Entire Website?

The analysis scope depends on the tool. Some tools check a single webpage, while website crawlers may analyze multiple pages.

Do I Need Technical SEO Knowledge to Use This Tool?

No. Our free Broken Link Checker is designed to provide simple basic link analysis online.

Final Thoughts

A Broken Link Checker is a useful online SEO tool for finding broken, dead, unavailable, and potentially incorrect links on a webpage.

Website owners, bloggers, SEO professionals, developers, digital marketers, and content creators can use broken link analysis to review internal links, external links, 404 errors, redirects, and supported link status information.

Broken links can create confusing user experiences and make website navigation more difficult. Regularly checking important webpages can help identify outdated URLs and improve general website maintenance.

However, do not assume every temporary link error is permanent. Verify important URLs and understand the cause of a problem before deleting or redirecting links.

Enter a webpage URL into our free Broken Link Checker online, analyze supported hyperlinks, and use the available results as part of a broader website maintenance and technical SEO strategy.