Free Broken Link Checker Online (Find Dead 404 Links)
Check pasted URLs and HTML anchor links for readable HTTP statuses. Browser CORS restrictions can leave some results unknown.
Paste up to 100 URLs or HTML with anchor links. Only HTTP(S) links are checked; relative HTML links need a page URL. Browser CORS restrictions may leave a result unknown.
Check links in pasted HTML or a URL list
Paste HTTP(S) URLs one per line, or paste HTML to extract its <a href> anchors. The checker does not fetch a page when you enter its URL, and it does not inspect images, stylesheets or scripts. For relative HTML links such as /contact/, enter the intended page URL in the optional base field.
Read the result carefully
When a destination allows the browser to read its response, the result shows the final HTTP status, such as 200 or 404. Requests follow redirects; the result can show the final URL, but not each intermediate 301 or 302 response. A 404 confirms a missing destination. Unknown means the browser could not read a status. Cross-origin restrictions, browser blocking or a network failure can cause that result; it is not proof of a working or broken link.
What each result means and what to do
| Result | Meaning | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| 200, with a different final URL | The link works but redirects. | Update the link to the final URL so visitors skip the extra hop. |
| 200, same URL | The destination answered normally. | No change needed. Still open it once if the page content matters. |
| 404 or 410 | The destination says the page is missing or gone. | Replace the link, point it to an archived copy, or remove it. |
| 401 or 403 | The server refused this request. The page may need a login or block automated requests. | Open it in a normal tab before deciding it is broken. |
| 429 | Too many requests in a short time. | Wait a few minutes and check fewer links from that site. |
| 500 to 599 | The destination server had an error. | Recheck later. A repeated server error on the same URL is worth reporting or replacing. |
| Unknown | The browser could not read a status. | Recheck with a crawler or your browser's network tab. Do not treat it as broken yet. |
Which links this tool can read
Every link is checked from this page, so every destination counts as another website to your browser. Browsers only reveal the status to a page when the destination sends cross-origin (CORS) headers that allow it. Many APIs, CDNs and file hosts send those headers, so their statuses usually appear. Most ordinary websites do not, so expect many Unknown results for them. That is a browser privacy rule, not a fault with the link. For a full audit of a large site, a server-side crawler is the better choice. Use this tool for a quick check of a short list or a snippet you are about to publish.
How to run a check
- Paste up to 100 URLs, or HTML containing anchor links.
- For relative HTML links, enter the page URL used to resolve them.
- Click Look up, then inspect observed statuses and recheck Unknown results with a server-side crawler or your browser's own network tools.
Pasted HTML and lists are parsed in your browser; checking a link sends a request from your device to its destination. This page may also load ordinary site resources, analytics and ads. Do not paste private URLs unless you are comfortable requesting them from this browser.
Explore related developer tools
Check HTTP status codes and trace redirects with Redirect Checker, audit SEO using SEO Analyzer, or query DNS with DNS Lookup.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the in-browser Broken Link Checker work?
Paste a list of URLs or HTML. For HTML, the tool extracts <a href> links only. It sends browser requests to each HTTP(S) URL and shows the status when the destination permits the browser to read it.
What is link rot and why should I fix broken links?
Link rot means a page has moved or disappeared without a working replacement. A confirmed 404 link creates a dead end for visitors; fix or replace it when you can.
What link types can be scanned for 404 errors?
HTTP(S) URLs pasted one per line and <a href> links extracted from pasted HTML. Image, stylesheet and script tags are not scanned. Enter the page URL to resolve relative HTML links.
Is my page HTML or scanned URL list sent to any server?
The pasted text is parsed in your browser and is not uploaded to ToolJiffy for checking. Requests to each extracted destination URL do leave your device, and the site may load analytics or ads.
What is the difference between an internal and external broken link?
An internal broken link points to a non-existent page on your own domain. An external broken link points to a dead URL on a third-party website.
How does CORS affect checking external third-party links in the browser?
If the destination blocks cross-origin reads, the browser hides its HTTP status. The result is Unknown, even if a no-CORS request completes. A failed request can also mean a browser or network block rather than a broken link.
Can I scan HTML template snippets before deploying live?
Yes. Paste the HTML; only anchor href links are extracted. Add the intended page URL if the snippet contains relative links. The tool does not fetch a live page from a URL.
Is ToolJiffy Broken Link Checker free without limits?
It is free to use without an account. Each scan accepts up to 100 links; browser and destination-site policies limit which statuses can be read.