Guide · Updated October 2026

What Is a Redirect? 301 vs 302 Explained

A redirect sends visitors from one web address to another. Learn the difference between 301 and 302 redirects, when to use each and how to avoid SEO mistakes.

What Is a Redirect? 301 vs 302 Explained

Short answer: A redirect automatically sends visitors and search engines from one web address to another. A 301 means the move is permanent, so search engines should transfer the old page's ranking value to the new one. A 302 means it is temporary, so the old address should stay in the index. Use 301 for almost every real move.

Why redirects exist

Web addresses change. You rename a page, merge two services, move from HTTP to HTTPS, switch domain, or redesign your site. Without redirects, every old link, bookmark and Google listing would lead to a 404 error. Redirects keep the paths working.

301: permanent

A 301 tells browsers and search engines "this has moved for good". Google will, over time, replace the old address with the new one in its results and pass across most of the value from links pointing at the old page.

Use a 301 when:

  • You change a page's URL, for example /our-services/boiler-repair to /boiler-repair.
  • You move to a new domain.
  • You switch from HTTP to HTTPS, or settle on www or non-www.
  • You delete a page and there is a close replacement.
  • You merge several thin pages into one stronger page.

302: temporary

A 302 says "this is somewhere else for now, but come back later". Search engines keep the original address indexed.

Use a 302 when:

  • A page is down for maintenance and you briefly send people elsewhere.
  • A seasonal product is out of stock and you point to an alternative temporarily.
  • You are testing a new page version for a short period.

Google has said it will eventually treat a long-standing 302 like a 301, but do not rely on that. Choose the code that matches your intention.

What about 307 and 308?

These are newer equivalents: 307 is temporary and 308 is permanent, with stricter rules about how browsers resend data. For most small business sites, 301 and 302 are all you need.

Redesigning or moving your site? Our Website Rescue team handles redirects so you keep your rankings.

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How to set up redirects

  • Website builders: look for "URL redirects" or "301 redirects" in SEO or site settings.
  • WordPress: a redirection plugin lets you add rules without touching code.
  • Apache hosting: rules go in the .htaccess file, for example Redirect 301 /old-page /new-page.
  • Nginx or hosting dashboards: many hosts provide a redirect manager in the control panel.
  • CDNs: some let you set redirect rules at the edge, which is very fast.

Redirect mistakes that hurt

  1. Redirect chains: A to B to C to D. Each hop slows things down and dilutes value. Point A straight to D.
  2. Redirect loops: A to B and B back to A. The browser gives up with an error.
  3. Everything to the homepage: lazy and confusing. Map each old page to its closest new equivalent.
  4. Using 302 for a permanent move: search engines may keep showing the old address.
  5. Forgetting internal links: after redirecting, update your own menus and links to the new address directly.
  6. Removing redirects too soon: keep them in place for at least a year, ideally indefinitely, since old links live on.

Planning a redesign? Map every old URL to a new one before launch. It is one of the most important steps to avoid losing traffic. If it is already too late and traffic has dropped, Website Rescue can help recover it.

The bottom line

Redirects keep old addresses working. Use a 301 for permanent moves so rankings follow the page, and a 302 only for genuinely temporary changes. Avoid chains and loops, map pages one to one, and keep redirects in place long term.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between a 301 and 302 redirect?

A 301 is a permanent move and tells search engines to transfer the old page's value to the new address. A 302 is temporary and keeps the original address indexed.

Do 301 redirects lose SEO value?

A correctly set 301 passes most of the value across. Chains of multiple redirects and irrelevant destinations can weaken it.

How long should I keep a 301 redirect?

At least a year, and ideally permanently, because old links and bookmarks can keep sending visitors for a long time.

Can I redirect deleted pages to my homepage?

It is better to redirect to the closest relevant page. Mass homepage redirects confuse visitors and may be treated as soft 404s.

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