Broken `<link rel="preload">` for Image / Font / Other
Preload links for images, fonts, or fetch requests return 404 errors, wasting bandwidth and slowing page loads.
By Seoxpert Editorial · Published
Why it matters
Broken preload links cause browsers to prioritize downloading resources that do not exist, wasting bandwidth and delaying other critical assets. This can negatively affect page load performance and user experience, especially on slower connections.
Impact
Unresolved, this issue leads to wasted bandwidth and slower perceived page loads.
How it's detected
An automated crawler checks <link rel="preload"> URLs and flags those returning HTTP 404 responses.
Common causes
- Assets were deleted or moved without updating preload URLs.
- Typographical errors in the preload href attribute.
- Preload hints left in code after assets were removed from use.
- Incorrect build or deployment paths for assets.
How to fix it
Code examples
Broken preload for image (404)
<link rel="preload" as="image" href="/images/hero-missing.jpg">Fixed preload for image (correct URL)
<link rel="preload" as="image" href="/images/hero.jpg">Removed preload for unused asset
<!-- Removed broken preload link for deleted asset -->FAQ
What happens if a preload link returns a 404?
The browser wastes a high-priority request on a missing resource, delaying other downloads and wasting bandwidth.
Should I remove preload hints for deleted assets?
Yes, remove preload hints if the asset is no longer used to avoid unnecessary requests.
How do I verify if my preload URLs are broken?
Check the network tab in browser dev tools or use automated tools to see if preload URLs return 404 errors.
Is this issue as critical as broken script or style preloads?
No, but it still impacts performance and should be fixed.
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