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Check whether the canonical identifies the intended page

For similar content at multiple URLs, compare the detected canonical with the intended preferred URL.

URLTO editorial · Updated

SEO checks · series05 / 10

Input and processing example

Compare it yourself · Illustrative example

점검 예시 / Example
입력 / Input: https://example.com/article?source=mail
canonical: https://example.com/article

Steps to verify

  • Record input and final URL.
  • Check canonical content and access.
  • Compare URLs used in internal links.

How to interpret the result

A canonical signals a preferred URL. Its presence does not settle search-engine selection; check that it points to the intended page.

Deciding what to do next

If different content is preferred, review the content distinction. Consult Google Search Central’s duplicate-URL guidance and check actual selection separately.

Feature scope

Read HTML signals from the Website Audit engine. Scores are not rankings and an absent noindex does not prove indexing; check actual indexing separately.

Frequently asked questions

Is a missing canonical always a failure?

Review the URL structure and duplicate context; one signal is not a complete indexing verdict.

Official references

Use now SEO checks