What does the redirect and broken link checker do?
Every time a browser or search engine requests a URL, the server answers with a status code: 200 means OK, 301 means moved permanently, 302 and 307 mean moved temporarily, 404 means not found and 5xx codes mean the server failed. Redirects are normal after a redesign or migration, but chains of several redirects in a row slow pages down and can dilute the value of links.
In Redirects mode, paste up to 20 URLs. For each one the tool follows the redirects hop by hop, shows the URL and status code at every step and gives a verdict: clean, a chain that should be shortened, a temporary redirect that should probably be permanent, or a final error.
In Broken links mode, enter a page URL and the tool collects the links, images, stylesheets and scripts on it (up to 150) and checks each one, listing broken links (4xx and 5xx) and links that redirect, so you can update them to the final URL.
Using the Redirect, HTTP Status & Broken Link Checker for your business
Redirect chains and broken links waste crawl budget and leak the value of links pointing at your site, especially after a redesign or migration. Our technical SEO service maps and fixes redirects site-wide. Running ads? Our Google Ads management team checks every final URL so you never pay for clicks to a broken page.
How to use the Redirect, HTTP Status & Broken Link Checker
- Choose the check. Redirects and status codes, or broken links on a page.
- Enter the URLs. Paste up to 20 URLs (one per line), or a single page URL to scan.
- Click Check. Each URL is requested and every hop recorded.
- Review the verdicts. Look for chains, temporary redirects and errors.
- Fix and re-check. Update redirects to point directly at the final URL and fix or remove broken links.
Why check redirects and broken links
Full redirect chains
See every hop, not just the final destination.
Catch temporary redirects
Spot 302s that should be 301s after permanent moves.
Find broken links fast
Check up to 150 links, images and files on a page at once.
Migration safety
Verify old URLs land on the right new pages after a redesign.
Redirect best practice for SEO
Use 301 (or 308) for permanent moves, such as a changed URL, a merged page or moving from http to https. Use 302 or 307 only when the move really is temporary.
Avoid chains. Googlebot follows up to 10 redirect hops, but every extra hop adds delay for visitors. When you change URLs again, update older redirects to point straight to the newest destination rather than adding another hop.
Redirect to the most relevant page. Sending every old URL to the home page is treated like a soft 404 by Google. Map each old page to its closest equivalent, and let pages with no equivalent return 404 or 410.
Update internal links. Even working redirects waste a hop when your own menus and content link to old URLs. Fix the links themselves so visitors and crawlers reach the final page directly.
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between a 301 and a 302 redirect?
A 301 is permanent and tells search engines to treat the new URL as the main one. A 302 is temporary, so search engines may keep the old URL.
How many redirects in a chain is too many?
Aim for one. Two is acceptable; more than that should be shortened.
Do broken links hurt SEO?
They waste crawl budget, lose link value and frustrate visitors. A few won't sink a site, but they should be fixed.
Why does a URL work in my browser but show an error here?
Some sites block automated requests or require cookies. If the status is 403, check whether a firewall is blocking bots.
Can I check a whole website for broken links?
This tool checks one page at a time, up to 150 links. For full-site crawls, a technical SEO audit is the right approach.