Free Hreflang Checker
Enter the address of a page that has versions in other languages. We check its hreflang tags, then open every language version it lists to confirm each one loads, is indexable, and links back. Graded on the same A–F scale as the full audit.
- High · Alternates that don’t link back · 1 — add hreflang tags on that page pointing back here.
- Medium · Invalid hreflang codes — en-UK should be en-GB.
- Low · No x-default — add one for visitors in other languages.
What this checker looks at
The codes. Each hreflang value must be an ISO 639-1 language code, optionally followed by an ISO 3166-1 region (en, en-GB, es-419), or x-default. We catch the common mistakes: en-UK instead of en-GB, an underscore instead of a hyphen, and a region on its own.
The set. The page should list itself, give each language exactly one URL, use full addresses, and ideally name an x-default page.
The other versions. We open every language version the page lists: does it load, stay at its own address, allow indexing, name itself as the canonical page, and link back with the same code?
Why return links matter most
Hreflang only works in pairs. Google uses an hreflang tag only when the page it points to confirms the relationship by pointing back. A site can have perfect codes on every page and still have its hreflang ignored because one version was never updated. That is why we open every version instead of reading one page alone.
How to read the results
Fix High findings first: versions that don’t load or don’t link back mean Google ignores those pairs. Medium findings are codes or addresses in the wrong form and versions Google will skip, such as noindex pages or ones that redirect. Low findings are recommendations. To check hreflang across your whole site, run the free SEO audit.
Frequently asked questions
Where do you read the hreflang tags from?
From the page itself: the <link rel="alternate" hreflang> tags in its head and the HTTP Link header. Hreflang declared only in an XML sitemap is not read by this check. If that is how your site does it, the XML Sitemap Validator checks the sitemap itself.
How many language versions do you open?
Up to 20 alternates per check, 6 at a time within 15 seconds. When a limit applies, the result says so.
What is a return link, and why does it matter?
If your English page lists a German version, the German page must list the English page too. Google uses a pair only when both pages confirm it, so a missing return link means the tags are ignored for that pair.
Is a language-only code like “pt” or “zh” valid?
Yes. A language on its own is valid. Add a region, such as pt-BR or pt-PT, only when you have different pages for different countries. The region must be an ISO 3166-1 code: the United Kingdom is GB, not UK.
Why is a page listed as “Could not check”?
Because it refused our request (a 401, 403 or 429, usually a firewall or bot filter) or did not answer in time. That page most likely works for visitors and search engines, so we never count it as a mistake. Open it yourself to be sure.
Do I need x-default?
It is recommended, not required. x-default tells search engines which page to show visitors whose language you don’t target, so we list it as a low-priority note.
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