A Guide to 301 vs 302 Redirects: Understanding the Key Differences

When managing a website, redirects are an essential tool in your SEO and user experience arsenal. Whether you're rebranding, restructuring your site, or temporarily moving content, knowing when to use a 301 or 302 redirect can make or break your website's performance in search engines. In this guide, we’ll break down the differences between 301 and 302 redirects, their impact on SEO, and when to use each one.

What Are Redirects?

Redirects are instructions that tell browsers and search engines that a page has moved to a new location. When a user or search engine bot tries to access a URL that has been redirected, they are automatically sent to the new destination. Redirects are crucial for maintaining a seamless user experience and preserving your website’s SEO value.

There are several types of redirects, but the two most commonly used are 301 redirects and 302 redirects. While they may seem similar, they serve very different purposes and have distinct implications for your website.

What Is a 301 Redirect?

A 301 redirect is a permanent redirect. It tells search engines and browsers that the original URL has been permanently moved to a new location. When implemented correctly, a 301 redirect transfers the majority (typically 90-99%) of the original page’s SEO value, also known as "link equity," to the new URL.

Key Features of a 301 Redirect:

Permanent Move: Indicates that the original URL will no longer be used.
SEO Benefits: Passes most of the original page’s ranking power to the new URL.
User Experience: Ensures users are seamlessly redirected to the correct page.

When to Use a 301 Redirect:

When you’re rebranding your website and changing domain names.
When you’re consolidating multiple pages into one.
When you’re fixing broken links or outdated URLs.
When you’re restructuring your website’s architecture.

What Is a 302 Redirect?

A 302 redirect is a temporary redirect. It tells search engines and browsers that the original URL is temporarily unavailable, but it will return in the future. Unlike a 301 redirect, a 302 redirect does not pass link equity to the new URL, as search engines assume the original page will eventually be restored.

Key Features of a 302 Redirect:

Temporary Move: Indicates that the original URL will be back at some point.
No SEO Value Transfer: Does not pass link equity to the new URL.
User Experience: Redirects users to a temporary page without affecting the original URL’s ranking.

When to Use a 302 Redirect:

When you’re running A/B testing on a page.
When you’re temporarily moving content for maintenance or updates.
When you’re redirecting users to a seasonal landing page (e.g., holiday promotions).
When you’re testing a new page design or layout.

301 vs 302 Redirects: Key Differences

| Feature | 301 Redirect | 302 Redirect | |-------------------------|---------------------------------------|---------------------------------------| | Purpose | Permanent move | Temporary move | | SEO Impact | Passes link equity | Does not pass link equity | | Search Engine Signal| Original URL is no longer valid | Original URL will return | | Use Case | Rebranding, restructuring, fixing broken links | A/B testing, temporary maintenance |

SEO Implications of 301 and 302 Redirects

Search engines like Google treat 301 and 302 redirects differently. Using the wrong type of redirect can have unintended consequences for your website’s SEO performance. For example:

Using a 302 Redirect Instead of a 301: If you use a 302 redirect for a permanent move, search engines may continue to index the old URL, splitting your link equity and harming your rankings.
Using a 301 Redirect Instead of a 302: If you use a 301 redirect for a temporary move, search engines may deindex the original URL, making it harder to restore when the temporary page is removed.

To avoid these issues, always choose the appropriate redirect based on your specific needs.

How to Implement 301 and 302 Redirects

Redirects can be implemented in several ways, depending on your website’s platform and server setup. Here are some common methods:

1. Using .htaccess (Apache Servers)

For websites hosted on Apache servers, you can add redirect rules to your .htaccess file. For example:

301 Redirect:
Redirect 301 /old-page https://www.example.com/new-page
302 Redirect:
Redirect 302 /old-page https://www.example.com/new-page

2. Using a CMS (e.g., WordPress)

Most content management systems (CMS) like WordPress offer plugins to manage redirects. Popular options include:

Redirection Plugin: Allows you to set up 301 and 302 redirects easily.
Yoast SEO: Includes redirect management in its premium version.

3. Using Server-Side Scripts

For more advanced setups, you can use server-side scripting languages like PHP to create redirects. For example:

301 Redirect in PHP:

header("HTTP/1.1 301 Moved Permanently");
header("Location: https://www.example.com/new-page");
exit();

302 Redirect in PHP:

header("HTTP/1.1 302 Found");
header("Location: https://www.example.com/new-page");
exit();

Best Practices for Using Redirects

To ensure your redirects are effective and SEO-friendly, follow these best practices:

Use the Correct Redirect Type: Always match the redirect type to your specific use case.
Update Internal Links: Replace old URLs with the new ones in your internal links to avoid unnecessary redirects.
Monitor Redirects: Use tools like Google Search Console or Screaming Frog to check for redirect chains or errors.
Avoid Redirect Loops: Ensure your redirects don’t create infinite loops, which can harm user experience and SEO.
Test Your Redirects: Use tools like HTTP Status Checker to confirm your redirects are working as intended.

Conclusion

Understanding the difference between 301 and 302 redirects is crucial for maintaining your website’s SEO health and providing a smooth user experience. While 301 redirects are ideal for permanent changes, 302 redirects are better suited for temporary situations. By using the right type of redirect and following best practices, you can ensure your website remains optimized and user-friendly.

Have questions about redirects or need help implementing them? Let us know in the comments below!

Blog

5/4/2026