Canonical tag checker
Check which URL a page tells search engines to index. The checker finds every canonical in the HTML and the HTTP Link header, flags duplicates and conflicts, and checks that the canonical URL answers 200, doesn't redirect and isn't noindex.
How to use the Canonical & Hreflang Checker
- 1Enter one language version of a page, such as yoursite.com/en/pricing.
- 2Open the Hreflang tab to see invalid codes, a missing self-reference or x-default, and return links.
- 3Open the Canonical tab to check that the canonical points to the right, working URL.
- 4Fix the problems on every language version, then check another version to confirm.
Frequently asked questions
What is a self-referencing canonical?
A canonical tag on a page that points to the page's own preferred URL. It's the recommended default: it protects the page from duplicates created by tracking parameters, http or www variants.
What happens when a canonical points to a 404 or a redirect?
Google treats the canonical as a hint and usually ignores a broken one, choosing a canonical itself. Point canonicals at the final, working URL that answers 200.
Can I use a canonical tag instead of a redirect?
For duplicates that must stay reachable, such as filtered product lists, yes. When a page has moved for good, use a 301 redirect: a canonical doesn't move visitors.
Related free tools
All tools- Canonical & Hreflang CheckerCheck canonical tags and hreflang links, including return links.
- Hreflang Tag GeneratorBuild hreflang tags for every language version, as HTML, XML or a header.
- Website SEO ScoreA free mini audit of one page with the Site Audit's checks and fixes.
- Redirect Chain CheckerFollow every hop of a redirect, see 301s and 302s, and spot loops.
- Meta Tags AnalyzerCheck a page's title, description, Open Graph tags and Google preview.
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