How to Find Broken Links in Google Search Console?

You know how frustrating it is when you click on a link and end up with a “Page Not Found” error? As a website owner or digital marketer, you want to avoid that at all costs. Broken links can ruin the user experience and hurt your search rankings. But don’t worry, I’ve got your back! Google Search Console is a powerful tool that can help you find and fix those broken links. 

In this guide, I’ll show you two simple ways to identify them and then walk you through the steps to fix them. By the end, your website will be running smoothly, and your visitors will never have to face that annoying 404 error again. Let’s get started!

How to Find Broken Links in Google Search Console

Ways to Find Broken Links in Google Search Console

Google Search Console offers two primary methods to identify broken links on your website: the Page Indexing section and the Crawl Report. Each method provides a unique approach to detecting and analyzing these problematic links, ensuring a comprehensive solution for maintaining a healthy and well-functioning website.

Way 1 – Find Broken Links from Page Indexing in GSC

Among the two ways, this one is the simplest way to find broken links. The steps are quite easy. Follow the steps properly and you will be able to find the broken links. Here are the steps to follow – 

Step 1 – Go to Page Indexing

Head over to the Google Search Console dashboard and click on Pages under the Indexing section. This section provides insights into the pages on your website that aren’t indexed and can’t be served on Google.

Go to Page Indexing

Step 2 – Look for Not Found (404)

In the Why pages aren’t indexed section, you’ll find a list. Look for Not Found (404) there. 

This displays a list of URLs that Google has tried to crawl but received a 404 (Not Found) error response. These URLs represent broken links on your website.

Look for Not Found (404)

Step 3 – Go Through Not Found and Find the Link

After navigating inside Not Found (404), there you will find the list of broken links. Here you will find all of your broken links. 

Go Through Not Found and Find the Link

Way 2 – Find Broken Links from Crawl Report in GSC

Another way to find broken links in the Google Search Console is through the Crawl Report. Here’s how you can access it:

Step 1 – Expand Legacy Tools and Reports

In the Google Search Console dashboard, locate the Legacy Tools and Reports section and expand it. After that, click on Learn more.

Expand Legacy Tools and Reports

Step 2 – Go through Crawl Stats

Within the Legacy Tools and Reports section, look for the Crawl Stats report. This report provides detailed information about Google’s crawling activity on your website. After finding it, click on it.

Go through Crawl Stats

Step 3 – Get into Not Found (404) under By Response

In the Crawl Stats report, scroll down to the By Response section. Here, you’ll find a breakdown of the HTTP response codes Google has encountered while crawling your website. Look for the Not Found (404) entry, which will show you the number of broken links detected.

Not Found (404)
Crawl Stats report

Alternatively, you can find the report in the Settings. Get inside the settings, scroll down and you will find the Crawl stats report under the Crawling section.

inside the settings

How to Fix Broken Links?

Identifying broken links is the first step toward maintaining a healthy website. However, the real challenge lies in effectively fixing these broken links to ensure a seamless user experience and maintain optimal search engine visibility.

Updating the Link: This Is the Simplest Solution if The Broken Link Is Due to A Minor Typo in The URL.  Just Locate the Broken Link and Edit It to Reflect the Correct Web Address.

Redirecting the Link: If the Linked Page Has Permanently Moved to A New Location on Your Website, You Can Use a Redirect to Send Users to The New Address.  This Helps Maintain User Experience and Avoids the “404 Not Found” Error Message.  There Are Different Redirect Types (301 Redirects Being the Most Common), and The Specific Method for Implementing Redirects Depends on Your Website’s Content Management System (CMS).

Removing the Link:  This Is the Option to Choose if The Linked Page No Longer Exists or Isn’t Relevant Anymore. Simply Delete the Broken Link from Your Website. This Ensures a Clean and Functional User Experience.

End Notes 

Remember, a well-maintained site with minimal broken links will not only make your visitors happy but also show search engines that you’re serious about your online presence. If you’re still unsure about anything or need further assistance, feel free to drop a comment below. I’ll be more than happy to help you out. Thanks for sticking with me until the end, and here’s to a broken link-free website!