Pagination SEO advice contradicts itself because guides mix three problems. Google's current docs sort them out: the default setup, sort and filter URLs, click depth, real 404s, and an audit of paginated URLs by crawling, indexing and clicks.
Check which canonical Google selected before fixing duplicates. Use a decision table, pattern worksheet, and validation checklist to prioritize the pages that matter.
Decide when an alternate URL can stay excluded and when its canonical needs a fix. Use a status comparison, inspection worksheet, facet policy, and developer ticket to guide the change.
