How to Check Backlinks Indexed in Google (Step-by-Step Guide)
To check if your backlinks are indexed in Google, use search operators like 'site:example.com' with parts of your backlink URLs, leverage Google Search Console, or use third-party SEO tools that indicate index status.
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Key Takaways
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is backlink indexation important for SEO?
It varies. Some pages are indexed within hours; others can take days or weeks. Crawl rate, domain authority, and content quality all impact timing.
How long does it take for backlinks to be indexed?
It varies. Some pages are indexed within hours; others can take days or weeks. Crawl rate, domain authority, and content quality all impact timing.
Can unindexed backlinks still help my rankings?
No, unindexed backlinks provide little to no SEO value until they’re indexed. Focus on ensuring backlinks come from sites frequently crawled by Google.
How often should I check backlink indexation?
Every few weeks is ideal—especially after new link-building campaigns—to ensure Google is counting all valuable links.
What should I do if a high-quality backlink isn't indexed?
First, request indexing via Search Console. Second, build internal or social links to that page to boost crawl frequency.
Step by Step Plan
Use Google Search Operators
Enter ‘site:domain.com’ + part of the backlink page’s URL or anchor text in Google search. This reveals whether that backlink page is indexed.
Check in Google Search Console
Log in to Google Search Console > Links > Top Linking Sites. These are backlinks Google has acknowledged and most are already indexed.
Run URL Inspection in Google Search Console
Paste the URL of the page containing the backlink into the URL Inspection Tool. It shows whether the backlink page is indexed and the last crawl date.
Run URL Inspection in Google Search Console
Platforms like Ahrefs and SEMrush show whether backlinks are indexed, citing Google data or their own crawlers. Ideal for bulk link checking.
Manually Submit URLs for Indexing
If a backlink page isn’t indexed, submit it via Google Search Console’s ‘Request Indexing’. This may help get valuable backlinks discovered faster.
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