Do your paginated pages name their own content?
It looks for numbered listing pages whose canonical points to a non-paginated address.
What Check Engine measures
At least 2 successful pages with recognised numbered pagination URLs are needed. The patterns cover page path segments and page or p query parameters. A paginated page enters the finding when it has a canonical whose address does not match one of those pagination patterns. The test checks the shape of the canonical target, not whether the target contains the same list items. For example, a numbered listing needs at least 2 successfully crawled pages before this comparison can run.
The check reads successful numbered-page URLs and their canonical tags. It compares address patterns. Review the list items yourself before choosing a canonical destination.
How to read the result
The finding is medium severity. It reports a likely collapse of separate listing content, but a real duplicate page or an intentionally different design still needs review before the canonical is changed.
Why it matters
Different listing pages can contain different entries. A canonical that names an unnumbered page can make a different statement from the content the visitor is reading, which is the relationship this test asks you to inspect.
How to fix it
Compare the listed entries on the numbered page with those on the canonical target. Use the intended canonical for genuinely distinct listing content, and keep links between listing pages readable. Preserve a canonical relationship only when it accurately describes duplicate content. Retest the final URLs and tags after changing the pagination template.
Canonical pagination: which URL should each page use?
What we found in field audits
Problems in Links were found on 14 of the 14 sites we audited. These are area totals. Read the field-audit method.
Method note
backend/seo_engine/checks/links.py, pagination, revision 0bb8e8d3.
Common questions
How many numbered listing pages are needed for the pagination check?
The sample requires 2 successful pages or more with recognised numbered addresses. Smaller sets do not enter this comparison.
Does the pagination check compare the items on each listing?
No. The canonical target is compared with address patterns. Whether the target repeats the same listing items needs review separately.
How serious is a numbered page canonical pointing outside a pagination pattern?
It receives medium severity. Review whether the destination is intentional before changing the canonical.