302 Redirect, explained properly.
What is a 302 redirect?
A 302 redirect is an HTTP status code that tells browsers and search engines a page has been temporarily moved. Unlike a permanent 301, a 302 signals the original page will return, so it typically does not pass full SEO value or replace the original in search results. Used correctly it preserves the original URL's rankings while giving users a temporary detour. Used incorrectly it can stop search engines indexing the correct version of your site.
Why 302 redirects matter
Less common than 301s, 302s still have valid uses: - Running temporary promotional pages or A/B tests. - Redirecting users during maintenance or technical downtime. - Preserving the original URL's footprint while a page is briefly unavailable. Misusing a 302 when a 301 was needed has caused major indexation issues, with pages left in limbo or the redirect ignored entirely. That is why every redirect type is reviewed during a technical SEO audit or SEO package.
What happens in a 302 redirect?
When a browser or crawler hits a 302, the server responds: ``` HTTP/1.1 302 Found Location: https://www.example.com/temporary-page/ ``` This tells bots to go there for now but remember the original URL. Google usually keeps the original page indexed, unless the 302 stays in place too long, in which case it may treat it like a 301 anyway.
When to use a 302 redirect
- A/B testing different versions of a page. - A time-sensitive promotion or event page. - Temporarily taking a product or service offline. - Region-based redirects that depend on user behaviour. - Showing a splash page without permanently replacing the original URL. If the change is permanent, use a 301 instead.
How to implement a 302 redirect
**WordPress:** Rank Math (Redirects module, choose "302 Temporary") or the Redirection plugin. **Apache (.htaccess):** ``` Redirect 302 /old-page/ https://www.example.com/temp-page/ ``` **NGINX:** ``` rewrite ^/old-page/?$ https://www.example.com/temp-page/ redirect; ``` **Shopify and Wix:** most platforms default to 301s, so a 302 usually needs custom code or an app.
SEO considerations
The biggest risk is using a 302 when you want a permanent redirect. Search engines keep indexing the original page and may ignore the destination. Google has evolved, and a long-standing 302 may be treated as permanent and pass some link equity, but this is not guaranteed. Using the correct redirect type upfront is always safer.
302 vs 301: quick reference
| Redirect type | Purpose | SEO value | Indexation | |---|---|---|---| | 301 | Permanent redirect | Passes full link equity | New URL replaces old in index | | 302 | Temporary redirect | Original page usually keeps SEO value | Original URL remains in index, at least initially |
Common 302 mistakes
- Using 302s for permanent changes, so rankings do not transfer. - Leaving 302s in place long term. - Chaining multiple 302s, which slows crawling and confuses bots. - Misconfiguring the Location header, resulting in broken redirects.
Testing and managing 302s
- httpstatus.io for a quick header check. - Screaming Frog to crawl redirect chains. - Google Search Console to track crawl behaviour. If a temporary redirect has been active for six months or more, upgrading it to a 301 is usually recommended unless there is a valid business case not to.
302 Redirect: common questions.
When should I use a 302 redirect instead of a 301?
When the redirect is genuinely temporary: A/B testing, seasonal landing pages, geo-targeted campaign URLs or maintenance pages. For permanent moves, always use 301.
Does a 302 redirect pass any link equity?
Some, but less reliably than a 301. Google tries to interpret intent, so a 302 left in place for many months may be treated as a 301. The safer practice is to use the correct redirect type rather than relying on Google's interpretation.
What happens to SEO if I use 302 by accident?
If a permanent move is set as a 302, Google keeps the old URL in its index and only partially passes signals to the new URL. The fix is to change the redirect to a 301 and request reindexing; recovery typically takes a few weeks.
How do I check whether a redirect is 301 or 302?
Use browser developer tools: open the Network tab, load the URL and inspect the response status code. From the command line, curl -I https://yoursite.com/url shows the status in the response header.
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