X-Default hreflang attribute specifies a default page version for users whose language or region isn’t targeted by other hreflang tags.
What Is X-Default Hreflang?
The x-default hreflang attribute is used in HTML or HTTP headers to indicate which page should be served to users when no specific language or regional version matches their settings. This helps direct visitors to a language selector or a generic version of the site.
Why X-Default Hreflang Matters:
- Improves User Experience – Sends unmatched users to a suitable page.
- Supports Global SEO – Avoids mismatched content for international visitors.
- Boosts Engagement – Users land on relevant, understandable content.
- Reduces Bounce Rate – Ensures users can find the right language quickly.
- Complies with Best Practices – Recommended by Google for multilingual websites.
How to Implement X-Default Hreflang:
- Add in HTML Head – Use
<link rel="alternate" hreflang="x-default" href="URL" />. - Include in HTTP Headers – Particularly for non-HTML resources.
- Point to Language Selector – Or a global landing page.
- Combine with Language Hreflangs – For full international coverage.
- Validate in Search Console – Check for hreflang errors.
Example in Practice:
An eCommerce site uses x-default hreflang to send unmatched users to a country selector page, letting them choose the right store version.
