What is a broken link checker?
+
A broken link checker is a tool that scans websites to identify non-functional links, also known as dead links or 404 errors. These are hyperlinks that lead to pages that no longer exist or are inaccessible. Our broken link checker automatically tests all links on a webpage and provides a comprehensive report showing which links are working and which are broken.
Is the broken link checker tool really free?
+
Yes! Our broken link checker is 100% free with no hidden charges, subscriptions, or premium tiers. You can scan as many websites as you need without any cost. We believe in providing professional-grade tools accessible to everyone, from individual bloggers to large enterprises.
Do I need to create an account or register?
+
No registration required! Simply visit our homepage, enter the URL you want to scan, and click the "Start Scan" button. You can use all our tools immediately without creating an account, providing personal information, or signing up for anything.
How many links can I check at once?
+
Our tool can scan up to 200 links per website in a single scan. This limit ensures fast processing times while covering the majority of links on most web pages. If you need to scan larger websites, you can perform multiple scans on different pages of your site.
Do you store my website data or scan results?
+
No, we prioritize your privacy. We don't store any of your website URLs, scan data, or results on our servers. All scans are processed in real-time, and once you close your browser or leave the page, the data is completely removed. Your website information remains private and confidential.
How long does a scan take?
+
Scan times vary depending on the number of links and server response times. Typically, scanning a website with 50-100 links takes 1-3 minutes. Larger scans with 200 links may take 3-5 minutes. We provide a real-time progress bar so you can monitor the scanning process.
What types of links can your tool check?
+
Our tool checks both internal links (links within your own website) and external links (links to other websites). It validates HTTP and HTTPS links, identifies redirects (301, 302), and detects various error codes (404, 500, etc.). The tool also categorizes links by type for easier analysis.
Can I export my scan results?
+
Yes! After completing a scan, you can export the results to a CSV (Comma-Separated Values) file. This allows you to analyze the data in spreadsheet applications like Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets, share results with your team, or maintain records of your link audits.
Why are broken links bad for SEO?
+
Broken links negatively impact SEO in several ways: 1) They create poor user experience, increasing bounce rates. 2) Search engines may reduce crawl frequency on sites with many broken links. 3) They waste "link juice" or PageRank that could benefit your site. 4) They signal poor website maintenance to search engines, potentially affecting rankings.
How often should I check for broken links?
+
We recommend checking for broken links at least once a month for active websites. High-traffic sites or those with frequent content updates should scan weekly. After major website updates, migrations, or redesigns, perform an immediate scan to catch any broken links quickly.
What should I do when I find broken links?
+
When you find broken links: 1) Fix internal broken links by updating URLs or removing them. 2) For external broken links, try finding alternative sources or remove the link. 3) Implement 301 redirects for moved pages. 4) Create custom 404 error pages to improve user experience. 5) Document recurring issues to prevent future problems.
Is the tool compatible with all website platforms?
+
Yes! Our broken link checker works with any publicly accessible website, regardless of the platform. This includes WordPress, Blogger, Wix, Shopify, Squarespace, static HTML sites, and custom-built websites. As long as your site is accessible via HTTP/HTTPS, our tool can scan it.
Can I use this tool on mobile devices?
+
Absolutely! Our website is fully responsive and works perfectly on smartphones and tablets. You can perform link scans, view results, and export reports from any device with an internet connection and a modern web browser.
What's the difference between a 404 and a 500 error?
+
A 404 error means "Page Not Found" - the URL doesn't exist on the server. This usually indicates the page was deleted or the URL was incorrect. A 500 error is an "Internal Server Error" - the server encountered an unexpected condition. 404s are permanent issues requiring URL fixes, while 500s are often temporary server problems.
Do you offer API access for developers?
+
Currently, our tools are web-based only. However, we're working on API access for developers and agencies who need to integrate link checking into their applications or workflows. Contact us at info@brokenlinkchecker.live to express interest or get updates on API availability.
Still have questions?
+
If you couldn't find the answer you're looking for, please don't hesitate to contact us! Visit our
contact page or email us directly at [contact form]. Our team typically responds within 24 hours during business days.