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What is a broken image?How to find broken images in WordPressHow to fix broken Image links in WordPressBonus tipHow to find broken images with a pluginWhy find and fix broken image links in WordPress?Getting startedAdditional resources
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WordPress Guide → Images → Compressor

EASY guide to fix broken image links in WordPress

Broken image links can greatly affect the performance and user experience of your WordPress site. When images don’t load, it diminishes the visual appeal and can lead to higher bounce rates and lower SEO rankings. 

Thankfully, finding and fixing these broken links is a simple process that can improve your website’s functionality. Let’s discuss effective methods for locating broken image links in WordPress and offer practical solutions to resolve them.

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What is a broken image?

A broken image link happens when an image cannot be displayed on a website, resulting in either a blank space or a broken image icon. 

This issue can occur for a variety of reasons, significantly detracting from the user experience and the overall aesthetic of the site. In WordPress, encountering broken images can be especially frustrating, as it disrupts the content flow and may lead to reduced engagement and increased bounce rates.

Some common causes of broken image links include:

  • Incorrect image URLs
  • Images that have been deleted
  • Modifications to the image’s file path

For instance, if an image is relocated to a different directory or its filename is altered without updating the corresponding link in your WordPress post, the image will fail to load. Moreover, server-related issues or improper permissions can also result in broken images, preventing them from showing up on your website.

It’s essential to promptly identify and resolve broken image links, as they can negatively impact your site’s search engine ranking. Search engines might view broken images as indicative of poor website management, which could lead to reduced visibility in search results. 

How to find broken images in WordPress

Locating broken images in WordPress is a straightforward process. Follow these steps to identify and fix the issues:

  1. Check the media library: Start by visiting the Media Library in your WordPress dashboard. Look for any images that display a broken icon, indicating they may not be properly linked.
  2. Use a broken link checker plugin: Install a plugin designed to check for broken links and images. Plugins like “Broken Link Checker” will scan your posts and pages, reporting any broken image links.
  3. Inspect the HTML code: If you suspect specific images are broken, edit the post or page where the images are located. Switch to the HTML or text view and verify the image URLs for correctness.
  4. Check for hotlinking issues: If you are using images from an external source, ensure that the source allows hotlinking. If not, the images may not display correctly on your site.
  5. Test image URLs: Copy the URL of the broken image and paste it into a new browser tab. If the image does not load, it confirms that the image is indeed broken.

How to fix broken Image links in WordPress

There are several reasons why image links may be broken. Recognizing and fixing these broken links is essential for ensuring a polished and user-friendly website experience.

1. Incorrect file path

This occurs when the image file’s location on your server does not match the path specified in your WordPress post or page. 

To correct it, check the URL of the image in the media library and ensure it aligns with the file path in your content. Additionally, consider using a plugin that helps manage and correct file paths automatically, which can save time and reduce errors.

2. Incorrect file name

If the image file name has been altered or contains errors, WordPress will not be able to find it. 

To fix this, verify the file name in your media library and update the links in your content accordingly. Using descriptive and consistent naming conventions for your images can also aid in preventing future issues and enhancing your site’s SEO.

3. Incorrect file extension

Occasionally, an image may have a different file extension than expected (e.g., a .jpg instead of .png). This can prevent the image from displaying. 

To resolve this, check the file extension in your media library and adjust the link in your content to match. It’s also beneficial to ensure that your images are saved in web-friendly formats for optimal loading times.

4. Non-existent image

If an image has been deleted or moved without updating the links, it will show as broken. 

Inspect your media library for the image, and if it is absent, either re-upload it or remove the link from your post. Regularly auditing your media library can help identify and resolve such issues proactively.

5. Transfer issues

During website migration, images may not transfer correctly due to server complications or misconfigurations. 

To address this, ensure that all media files have transferred successfully and update any broken links in your content. It is also wise to back up your media files before migration to prevent loss and facilitate easier restoration if needed.

Bonus tip: Try using a relative URL path

Utilizing relative URL paths when working with images in WordPress can help prevent broken image links. A relative URL path links to files or resources based on the current page’s location, rather than using the full URL. 

This strategy helps maintain link integrity, especially during changes like domain migrations or moving from a staging environment to a live site.

To implement relative URL paths in WordPress, identify the images you wish to link. Instead of using the complete URL, which resembles: 

https://www.yourwebsite.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/image.jpg

… you can simply use the path:

/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/image.jpg

This approach eliminates the need to change URLs if you later decide to move your site or alter its structure.

To convert your existing images to relative URLs, you can either manually edit each post or utilize a plugin designed for this task. Many plugins offer bulk update options, saving you considerable time. Always back up your database before making changes.

How to find broken images with a plugin

A highly effective method for finding broken image links in WordPress is by using a plugin called Broken Link Checker. This robust tool scans your entire site for broken links, including images, providing a detailed report that allows for quick fixes.

To utilize the Broken Link Checker plugin, first install it through your WordPress dashboard. Navigate to Plugins > Add New, then search for ‘Broken Link Checker’. Once located, click Install Now and activate the plugin.

After activation, the plugin will automatically begin scanning your site for broken links and images. You can access the plugin’s settings by going to Settings > Link Checker. Here, you can customize the scan frequency and opt to receive email notifications when broken links are found.

Once the scan concludes, you can view the results by navigating to Links > Broken Links in your dashboard. The plugin will display all broken links and images, along with options to edit or delete them directly from this interface. This ensures the visual integrity of your website and provides a seamless experience for visitors.

Why find and fix broken image links in WordPress?

Broken image links can have a significant impact on the performance and user experience of your WordPress website. When visitors encounter missing images, it can lead to frustration and a negative impression of your site. This often results in higher bounce rates, as users may quickly leave rather than engaging with your content. 

Additionally, search engines like Google evaluate the quality and functionality of your website when ranking it in search results. Broken images can harm your SEO, causing your site to drop in rankings and reducing its visibility to potential visitors.

Moreover, addressing broken image links is essential for upholding your brand’s integrity. Images are crucial for storytelling and branding; if they are absent, it can create confusion regarding your message. Visitors may perceive your site as unprofessional or outdated, prompting them to seek information from more reliable sources. 

Lastly, broken images can hinder functionality, especially in ecommerce settings where product images are vital. If potential customers cannot see what they are considering purchasing, they are unlikely to complete a transaction. 

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