Does hreflang replace canonical tags?

No. Hreflang connects regional alternatives, while canonical tags identify the preferred URL for substantially similar content. Both signals can appear on the same international site.

Can hreflang target different countries with the same language?

Yes. Regional codes distinguish countries that share a language, such as Australian English and United Kingdom English. Each version should contain regionally appropriate information.

Where can hreflang annotations be added?

Hreflang annotations can appear in page HTML, HTTP response headers, or XML sitemaps. The suitable method depends on the site platform, page type, and implementation control.

Glossary

What Is Hreflang?

Hreflang is an HTML attribute and XML sitemap signal that tells search engines which language and regional version of a page to show users. Website owners apply hreflang annotations to equivalent pages, such as English pages for Australia and the United Kingdom. The signal helps search engines match regional searchers with the most suitable page.

Quick Facts About Hreflang

Key Takeaways About Hreflang

Hreflang identifies language and regional page variants.
Every regional version needs a consistent relationship with its alternatives.
Hreflang does not translate page content or redirect visitors.

How Hreflang Works

A desktop flat lay shows HREFLANG letter tiles, notes, a phone, pens, paper clips, glasses, magnifier, and small plants

Hreflang connects equivalent pages that target different languages or regions. A page can identify its own language-region version and list matching alternatives through HTML link elements, HTTP headers, or an XML sitemap. Search engines then use these signals alongside page content and other indexing signals.

Related glossary terms: Canonical URL, XML Sitemap, Duplicate Content.

Language codes describe the language, while regional codes narrow the audience where needed. For example, an English page for Australia can point to an English page for the United Kingdom. The pages should represent the same subject, even if prices, spelling, stock, or other regional details differ. International SEO teams check that annotations point to indexable URLs and that each page links back consistently. Canonical URLs also need to support the selected regional version.

Two people discuss a printed card labeled “Hreflang” at a desk with a laptop and chart in the background

Expert Note

When we work on International SEO, we map each language and regional URL before adding annotations. We check reciprocal references, language-region codes, canonical URLs, redirects, and indexability so the signals describe the site structure accurately.

Hreflang in Practice: A Real-World Example

An Adelaide retailer with Australian and United Kingdom pages can add hreflang annotations to both versions. The Australian page identifies the en-AU version, while the United Kingdom page identifies the en-GB version and references its alternative.