301 vs 302 redirects
URL redirects are a normal part of managing a website. Whether you’re updating content, migrating pages or fixing outdated links, redirects help ensure users and search engines reach the right destination.
Two of the most commonly used redirect types are 301 and 302, but they’re often misunderstood or used interchangeably. Choosing the wrong one can lead to indexing issues, lost SEO value or confusing signals for search engines.
Here’s how to understand the difference and when to use each correctly.
What is a 301 redirect?
A 301 redirect is a permanent redirect. It tells browsers and search engines that a URL has moved permanently to a new location.
When a 301 redirect is in place, search engines update their indexes to reflect the new URL and transfer most of the original page’s ranking signals. This makes 301 redirects the standard choice for long-term URL changes, such as:
- Page or URL structure updates.
- Domain migrations.
- Consolidating duplicate content.
- Replacing outdated pages.
If you’re looking for a deeper explanation of how 301 redirects work and when to use them, this guide from urllo on 301 URL redirects covers the topic in detail.
What is a 302 redirect?
A 302 redirect is a temporary redirect. It tells search engines that the original URL still exists and will likely be used again in the future.
Because the redirect is considered temporary, search engines generally keep the original URL indexed rather than transferring ranking signals to the destination page.
Common use cases for 302 redirects include:
- Short-term promotions or campaigns.
- A/B testing landing pages.
- Temporarily taking a page offline for maintenance.
- Regional or device-based routing.
In these scenarios, a 302 redirect helps manage traffic without signaling a permanent change.
The key differences between 301 and 302 redirects
The main distinction comes down to intent and permanence:
- 301 redirects signal a permanent move and pass ranking signals to the new URL.
- 302 redirects signal a temporary change and keep the original URL indexed.
Using a 302 redirect when a change is actually permanent can delay indexing updates and weaken SEO performance. Conversely, using a 301 redirect for a temporary change can cause search engines to treat the original URL as gone for good.
Which redirect should you use?
As a general rule:
- Use a 301 redirect when the change is permanent and you want search engines to update their records.
- Use a 302 redirect when the change is temporary and you plan to restore the original URL.
When in doubt, consider whether you expect the original URL to return. If not, a 301 redirect is usually the safer and more SEO-friendly choice.
Common mistakes to avoid
Some of the most common redirect issues happen when the redirect type doesn’t match the situation. These include:
- Using 302 redirects for permanent site migrations.
- Leaving temporary redirects in place indefinitely.
- Creating redirect chains instead of pointing directly to the final URL.
- Mixing redirect types inconsistently across similar pages.
Taking the time to choose the correct redirect type helps avoid confusion for both users and search engines.
Final thoughts
301 and 302 redirects serve different purposes, and understanding when to use each is an important part of maintaining a healthy website. By matching the redirect type to the intent of the change, you can preserve SEO value, reduce crawl issues and create a smoother experience for users.
