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Create alternate-language link tags from validated language and URL pairs.
How to use it
- Enter the minimum information required for the intended output.
- Generate the result locally and read every option and warning.
- Check syntax, URLs, escaping and values against the relevant current specification.
- Test the output on one representative page or system before wider use.
How to interpret the result
Generated output from Generate hreflang tags is a starting point that must match the real page, application and policy where it will be published.
Generation does not guarantee compatibility, search visibility, accessibility, security or compliance with third-party platform requirements.
Practical examples
English pages for the UK and US
en-gb | https://example.com/uk/page/ en-us | https://example.com/us/page/ x-default | https://example.com/page/
Language-only alternatives
en | https://example.com/en/help/ fr | https://example.com/fr/aide/ de | https://example.com/de/hilfe/
Common mistakes to avoid
- Using country codes without a valid language code, such as uk instead of en-gb.
- Forgetting that every alternate page must reference itself and the complete set of alternates.
- Pointing tags to redirects, error pages, blocked URLs or non-canonical duplicates.
- Using hreflang as a substitute for translating the visible content.
- Mixing relative and absolute URLs or omitting the protocol and hostname.
Frequently asked questions
What does x-default mean?
It identifies a fallback URL for users whose language or region does not match another declared alternate.
Must hreflang links be reciprocal?
Yes. If page A references page B, page B should reference page A, and each page should also reference itself.
Can hreflang be placed in a sitemap?
Yes. Google supports equivalent annotations in HTML, HTTP headers or XML sitemaps. Choose one maintainable method.
Does hreflang replace canonical tags?
No. Each alternate should normally use an appropriate canonical while hreflang connects legitimate regional or language versions.
Authoritative references
Reviewed: 21 August 2026 · SpeedVerge editorial team
Recommended next step
Validate the generated output, publish it through a reversible change and monitor the destination for errors.