Link Checker Shows 403, 429 or 999: Is the Link Really Broken?

A 403, 429 or 999 in a link checker often does not mean the link is broken. Many sites block automated tools or limit how fast they can be queried, even though the page opens fine for a person. Check these links manually before you remove or replace anything.

What the codes usually mean

• 403 Forbidden: the server refused the checker, often because it blocks bots.
• 429 Too Many Requests: the checker sent requests too quickly and was slowed down.
• 999: a non-standard code some sites, notably LinkedIn, return to automated visitors.
• 5xx: a server problem that may be temporary.

Why false alarms happen

Websites protect themselves from scrapers and overload. A checker that looks like a bot can be refused even when the page is healthy.

How to verify a link

1. Open the link in your browser.
2. If it loads normally, treat the result as a false positive.
3. If it loads only sometimes, test again later.
4. Check the raw response with the HTTP header checker.

Genuinely broken codes

A 404 or 410 means the page is gone, and a connection failure suggests the domain has disappeared. Those need action. The codes are covered in HTTP status codes for SEO.

Reduce noise in future checks

Keep a list of known false positives, such as social profile links, and ignore them next time. Run the broken link checker again after fixing the real problems.

Frequently asked questions

Next steps

For the full cleanup process, see how often to check for broken links, or contact me here.

More in this series (broken link questions): start with Free Broken Link Checker, then explore:

• How Often Should You Check Your Website for Broken Links?
• Broken Internal Links vs Broken External Links: Which Matter More?