Targeted link checks
Use a dead link checker to find failed URLs
A dead link checker focuses on destinations that no longer respond as expected. Paste a page or URL pattern, review the returned status, and separate genuine failures from redirects, access blocks, and temporary network issues.
This entry point vs the general one
Choose the page that matches the question you need answered: a focused dead-link review or a broader site-wide audit.
- broken link checker online free Use the online checker when you want a broad browser-based scan without installing a crawler.
- free broken link checker Compare no-cost ways to inspect links before committing time to a larger maintenance workflow.
- How to check broken links in a website? Follow a practical sequence for finding, validating, and documenting broken destinations across a site.
The 3 things only it does
A focused check is useful when you already have a suspect URL, page, or small group of destinations and need a fast decision.
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1
Isolate the destination
Start with the page or URL set that matters. This removes unrelated assets and healthy links from the first review.
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2
Classify the response
Read the HTTP result, redirect behavior, and access response instead of treating every non-200 result as the same failure.
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3
Choose the repair
Mark the destination for replacement, redirect correction, content recovery, or a second check when the issue looks temporary.
From noisy crawl to focused diagnosis
The useful change is not just finding a URL; it is turning a vague warning into a response category that can guide the next action.
A focused result makes the next repair decision clearer.
Suspect URL listClassified link resultsWhat this entry point covers
The table separates a general link audit from a dead-link check so you can select the narrower workflow when the failure is already suspected.
| General link checker | Dead link checker | |
|---|---|---|
| Primary question | Which links across the site need attention? | Which suspected destinations fail or behave unexpectedly? |
| Starting point | A domain, site section, or crawl scope | A known page, URL list, or suspect destination |
| Main signal | A mixed inventory of links and responses | Failure status, redirect path, or access result |
| Best for | Routine site maintenance and discovery | Focused diagnosis after a report or spot check |
| Noise level | May include healthy links and unrelated findings | Keeps attention on the selected destinations |
| Typical next action | Prioritize findings across several page groups | Repair, replace, redirect, or recheck the failed URL |
| Scope trade-off | Broader coverage with more results to review | Narrower coverage with less surrounding context |
Status groups worth checking
These response families help turn a failed destination into a more specific diagnosis. They are signals to investigate, not automatic proof that content is permanently gone.
- Redirect responses to trace
- 3xx
- Client-side failures to verify
- 4xx
- Server-side failures to recheck
- 5xx
A focused check is most useful when you have a reported URL, an old campaign page, a migrated section, or a short list from an editorial review. Submit the scope, inspect the response pattern, and record the repair that matches the evidence. For broader discovery, switch to a general broken-link workflow after the targeted pass.
Start with the links already in doubt
- Separate redirects from unavailable pages
- Review status groups before editing content
- Recheck temporary server failures
Dead link checker FAQ
It looks for destinations that fail to return usable content or respond with an unexpected status. It can also expose redirects, access restrictions, and server errors that need separate review.
The terms are often used interchangeably, but dead link usually emphasizes a destination that no longer works. A broken link is broader and may include an incorrect path, a bad redirect, or a temporarily unavailable server.
No. First check whether the response is temporary, restricted, or caused by a redirect problem. A permanent failure may need removal, replacement, or a redirect to the closest useful page.
Use a focused check when you already have a suspect URL or a small list from a migration, content review, or user report. Choose a full crawl when you need to discover link problems across an unknown or larger site.