How to Fix Broken Links in WordPress
A Step-by-Step Guide to Repairing Your Links
Fixing broken links in WordPress is crucial for maintaining your site's SEO and user experience. In this guide, we will walk you through the process of identifying and fixing these links effectively. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced user, our step-by-step instructions will help you ensure your website remains functional and user-friendly.
Understanding Broken Links
Broken links, also known as dead links, occur when a hyperlink points to a page that no longer exists or has been moved without proper redirection. These links can lead to a poor user experience and negatively impact your site's SEO ranking. In 2025, maintaining a seamless browsing experience is more important than ever, making it essential to regularly check and fix broken links.
How to Fix Broken Links in WordPress
Follow these steps to effectively identify and fix broken links on your WordPress site:
- Use a broken link checker Tool
Step 1
Install a plugin like Broken Link Checker to automatically scan your site for broken links. This tool will notify you of any issues found.
- Review the Report
Step 2
Once the scan is complete, review the list of broken links. The plugin will provide details such as the link URL, the source post/page, and the status of the link.
- Fix the Links
Step 3
For each broken link, decide whether to:
- Update the URL to point to a new, relevant page.
- Remove the link if the content is no longer available.
- Redirect the link to a relevant page using a redirection plugin.
- Test the Changes
Step 4
After making changes, re-scan your site to ensure all broken links have been fixed and that the new links are functioning correctly.
- Regular Maintenance
Step 5
Schedule regular checks (monthly or quarterly) to keep your site free of broken links.
Tools and Resources
Here are some recommended tools to help you manage broken links effectively:
- Broken Link Checker - A popular plugin for scanning your WordPress site.
- Ahrefs - A comprehensive SEO tool that includes a broken link checker.
- Dead Link Checker - An online tool for scanning websites for broken links.
Quick Facts
Quick Facts
Key Takeaways
- Regularly check for broken links to maintain SEO health.
- Use tools like Broken Link Checker for automated scanning.
- Decide on the best course of action for each broken link.
- Schedule maintenance checks to keep your site updated.
- Redirect broken links to relevant content where possible.
- Remove links that no longer serve a purpose.
FAQs
- What are broken links?
Broken links are hyperlinks that lead to a non-existent page or resource.
- How can I find broken links on my WordPress site?
You can use plugins like Broken Link Checker or online tools to scan for broken links.
- What should I do with broken links?
Update the URL, remove the link, or redirect it to a relevant page.
- How often should I check for broken links?
It’s recommended to check for broken links at least once a month.
Jaden Bohman is a researcher led writer and editor focused on productivity, technology, and evidence based workflows. Jaden blends academic rigor with real world testing to deliver clear, actionable advice readers can trust.
How we created this article
This piece was drafted using editorial templates and may include AI-assisted sections. All content is reviewed by the InfoBase editorial team for accuracy, clarity, and usefulness before publishing.