302 Redirect

What Is 302 Redirect?

A 302 redirect is a rule on a website that tells browsers and search engines to move visitors from one page to a different page for a short time. It keeps the original page address as the main one, because the change is not meant to be permanent.

Definition

In technical words, a 302 redirect is an HTTP status code that means Found or Moved Temporarily. When your browser asks for a page, the server replies with code 302 and gives a new address. The browser then goes to that new address, but search engines are told that the original address is still the main version and may come back later.

Why 302 Redirect Matters

302 redirects are important for both visitors and search engines.

• Better user experience Visitors do not see broken pages or errors. They are smoothly sent to a working page.
• Short term changes You can test new designs or move content for a short time without changing the main page forever.
• Protects original page strength Because a 302 is temporary, most search engines keep the main ranking power and trust with the original page.
• Useful for tests Marketers can run A B tests by sending some users to a new version of a page without hurting long term SEO too much.

If you use a 302 redirect correctly, you keep visitors happy and avoid confusing search engines about which page should rank.

How 302 Redirect Works

Here is what happens step by step when a 302 redirect is in place.

1. Your browser asks the server for Page A.
2. The server answers with status code 302 and gives the new address, Page B.
3. Your browser now goes to Page B and shows it to you.
4. Search engines see the 302 code and usually treat Page A as the main long term page, because the move is marked as temporary.

From a setup view, 302 redirects can be added in different ways.

• In server config files such as .htaccess on Apache, server blocks on Nginx, or rules in IIS.
• Using website or ecommerce platforms that have built in redirect tools.
• Through plugins or extensions on content management systems like WordPress.

302 Redirect vs Related Terms

302 redirects are often mixed up with other tools. Here is how they differ.

302 redirect vs 301 redirect

• 302 redirect Temporary move. Original page is still the main one. Search engines usually keep most ranking power with the old URL.
• 301 redirect Permanent move. New page replaces the old one. Search engines pass most ranking signals to the new URL.
• When to use 302 Short term tests, seasonal pages, brief maintenance, or when you plan to bring back the original page.
• When to use 301 Domain change, final URL change, deleted pages that will never return, or when you merge content.

302 redirect vs meta refresh

• 302 redirect Done on the server level. Fast, clean, better for SEO.
• Meta refresh Done in the HTML of the page, often with a time delay. Can be slow and is not the best choice for SEO.

302 redirect vs canonical tag

• 302 redirect Moves the visitor to another page. The original page is not shown.
• Canonical tag Tells search engines which version of similar pages is preferred, but the user stays on the page they opened.

Example of 302 Redirect

Imagine you run an online store and want to test a new product page layout for a week.

• Your main page is example.com product.
• You create a new test page at example.com product test.
• You set a 302 redirect from example.com product to example.com product test.
• Visitors now see the test page, but search engines understand this is only a temporary change.
• After the test, you remove the 302 and send visitors back to the original or to a final chosen version.

This way you can test ideas without telling search engines that the old page is gone forever.

FAQs

Is a 302 redirect bad for SEO?

A 302 redirect is not bad if used the right way. It is meant for short term changes. Problems happen only when you use 302 where you really need a permanent 301 redirect. That can confuse search engines about which page should rank.

How long can I keep a 302 redirect?

It should be used for a limited time, such as days or a few months. If the change becomes permanent, switch to a 301 redirect. If a 302 stays in place for a very long time, search engines might start treating it like a 301.

Does a 302 redirect pass link equity?

Search engines often keep most ranking power with the original page when using a 302 redirect. Some value may still flow through, but it is less direct than with a 301 redirect where signals move to the new page.

When should I use a 302 instead of a 301?

Use a 302 when the move is clearly temporary. For example during site maintenance, for short marketing campaigns, for A B tests, or while fixing a page that will return soon.

Can many 302 redirects slow my site?

Each redirect adds another step, which can make pages load slower, especially on mobile or slow networks. Try to keep redirect chains short and avoid sending users through many redirects in a row.

How can I check if a page uses a 302 redirect?

You can use SEO tools, browser extensions, or command line tools like curl to see the HTTP status code. Many free online header checkers will show if the response is 302, 301, or something else.

What happens if I use 302 redirects for a full domain move?

If you move a whole site to a new domain using 302 redirects, search engines may not pass full ranking power to the new domain because they think the move is temporary. For a full domain move, you should almost always use 301 redirects instead.