301 vs 302 redirects: when to use a 302 redirect (and when not to)

With over 10+ years of experience managing redirects for over 1,000 clients, we’ve seen all sorts of mistakes when it comes to 302 redirects. We’ve seen many site owners use it interchangeably with a 301 redirect, assuming the difference is minor or purely technical. In reality, choosing the wrong redirect type can affect how search engines index pages, interpret intent and distribute ranking signals.

A 302 redirect is designed for temporary URL changes. When used correctly, it allows you to reroute users without signaling a permanent move to search engines. When misused, it can delay indexing, create ambiguity or weaken internal linking signals.

This guide explains what a 302 redirect is, how it differs from a 301 redirect, how browsers and search engines treat each and when a temporary redirect is the right choice. You’ll also learn about the common mistakes we’ve seen people make and how to avoid them.

What is a 302 redirect?

A 302 redirect indicates that a requested URL has moved temporarily to a different location. It tells browsers and search engines that the original URL should remain indexed because the change is not permanent.

From a technical perspective, a 302 redirect means:

• The server successfully received the request.
• The content is currently available at another URL.
• The original URL is expected to return in the future.

Unlike a 301 redirect, a 302 redirect does not signal a long-term replacement. Its purpose is to preserve the original URL’s identity while routing traffic elsewhere for a limited time.

Because intent matters, search engines interpret a 302 redirect as a temporary state rather than a final decision. This distinction is what makes 302 redirects powerful when used correctly and risky when used incorrectly.

What is a 301 redirect?

A 301 redirect indicates that a URL has moved permanently to a new location. It tells browsers and search engines that the original URL should be replaced by the destination URL going forward.

From a technical perspective, a 301 redirect means:

• The requested resource has permanently moved.
• The original URL should no longer be indexed.
• Ranking signals should be transferred to the destination URL.

Because a 301 redirect communicates permanence, search engines update their indexes to reflect the new URL and consolidate link equity over time. This makes 301 redirects the preferred option when URLs change permanently.

Common use cases for a 301 redirect include:

• Site or domain migrations.
• Permanent URL structure changes.
• Content consolidation or duplicate page cleanup.
• Retired pages replaced with new content.

Unlike a 302 redirect, a 301 redirect signals finality. Once implemented, it should remain in place long-term and internal links should be updated to point directly to the destination URL.

How browsers and search engines treat a 302 redirect

How browsers handle a 302 redirect

For users, a 302 redirect is usually invisible. When a browser encounters a 302 response, it automatically loads the destination URL without requiring any action. From the user’s perspective, the experience feels seamless and immediate.

How search engines treat a 302 redirect

Search engines treat 302 redirects differently from permanent redirects:

• The original URL typically remains indexed.
• Ranking signals usually stay associated with the original URL.
• The destination URL is treated as temporary.

Modern search engines are more flexible than they once were, especially if a 302 redirect remains in place for an extended period. However, relying on that flexibility is risky. If your intent is permanent, using a 302 can delay proper indexing or create uncertainty about which URL should rank.

Clear intent helps search engines process changes faster and more accurately.

When should you use a 302 redirect?

Our clients often ask us, “When should you use a 302 redirect?” The answer is that a 302 redirect should be used only when the change is genuinely temporary.

Common and appropriate use cases we’ve seen over the years include:

• Short-term promotions or campaign landing pages.
• A/B testing or experimentation.
• Temporary maintenance or downtime.
• Geo-based or device-based routing.
• Seasonal content swaps.

In these situations, a 302 redirect allows you to reroute users while preserving the original URL’s authority and indexing status.

When you should not use a 302 redirect

A 302 redirect should not be used when a change is intended to be permanent. In these cases, a temporary redirect can confuse search engines and delay proper indexing.

Avoid using a 302 redirect for:

• Site migrations or domain changes.
• Permanent URL updates or restructuring.
• Content consolidation or duplicate page cleanup.
• Long-term rebrands or domain transitions.

For permanent changes, a 301 redirect provides clearer intent, transfers ranking signals more reliably and helps search engines update their indexes efficiently.

In those cases, a 301 redirect is the correct choice.

Using a 302 redirect correctly helps maintain clarity for both users and search engines. Using it incorrectly can introduce confusion that slows indexing and weakens link signals over time.

301 vs 302 redirects: key differences

The main difference between 301 and 302 redirects is intent.

A 301 redirect communicates permanence. A 302 redirect communicates temporarily.

Key distinctions include:

• Indexing behavior: 301 redirects encourage search engines to index the destination URL, while 302 redirects typically preserve the original URL.
• Link equity: 301 redirects consolidate ranking signals at the new URL, while 302 redirects generally keep signals with the original URL.
• Longevity: 301 redirects are designed for long-term changes, while 302 redirects are meant to be short-lived.
• SEO clarity: Using the wrong redirect type can confuse crawlers and delay proper indexing.

Choosing the correct redirect ensures search engines understand your intent.

SEO implications of using a 302 redirect

A common misconception is that 302 redirects are “bad for SEO.” The reality is more nuanced.

A properly used 302 redirect is not harmful. However, problems arise when:

• A 302 redirect is used for a permanent change.
• A temporary redirect is left in place indefinitely.
• Internal links point to URLs that immediately redirect.

Over time, search engines may treat a long-standing 302 redirect as permanent, but this behavior is inconsistent and not guaranteed. Using the correct redirect type from the start reduces risk and uncertainty.

Common mistakes with 302 redirects

As the leading redirect manager, we often discover misuse of 302 redirects during link testing and audits.

Common mistakes include:

• Using 302 redirects instead of 301 redirects after a site migration.
• Leaving temporary redirects active for months or years.
• Creating redirect chains involving multiple 302 redirects.
• Confusing 302 redirects with 307 redirects.
• Linking internally to URLs that immediately redirect.

These issues can degrade crawl efficiency and dilute link signals.

How to check whether a URL uses a 301 or 302 redirect

Here is a list of tools we frequently use to identify redirect types depending on the requirements of the situation our clients face:

• Browser developer tools.
• Command-line tools such as curl.
• Online redirect checkers such as httpstatus.io.
• Bulk link testing tools.

A bulk link tester is especially useful for identifying redirect types at scale and uncovering redirect chains or inconsistencies across a site.

How to fix an incorrect 302 redirect

If you discover a 302 redirect being used incorrectly, take the following steps:

1. Determine whether the redirect is truly temporary.
2. If the change is permanent, update the redirect to a 301.
3. Update internal links to point directly to the final URL.
4. Retest the URL to confirm correct behavior.
5. Monitor indexing and performance after the change.

Fixing redirect intent early helps search engines process changes more efficiently.

302 redirects and link testing tools

Link testing tools report redirect status codes alongside destination URLs. In reports, 302 redirects are often flagged as:

• Informational notices.
• Warnings when used excessively.
• Errors when part of redirect chains or loops.

Regular link testing helps ensure that 302 redirects are intentional, limited in scope and not masking deeper issues.

Final thoughts on choosing between 301 and 302 redirects

Choosing between a 301 and a 302 redirect comes down to intent. When a change is permanent, a 301 redirect gives search engines and users a clear, lasting signal. When a change is truly temporary, a 302 redirect preserves the original URL and its authority while allowing flexibility.

Understanding how each redirect works, how search engines interpret them and when misuse causes problems helps you avoid unnecessary SEO risk. By applying the correct redirect type, reviewing redirects regularly and validating them with link testing tools, you can maintain a clean site structure, protect rankings and ensure users always reach the content you intend.

Easily create and manage redirects with urllo’s link management platform. urllo is used by SEO, IT, WebOps, Enterprise and marketing teams to manage 301 and 302 redirects in a single place, reduce operational risk and keep URL changes predictable as sites evolve.

Frequently asked questions about 302 redirects

Is a 302 redirect bad for SEO?

No. A 302 redirect is not inherently harmful when used correctly for temporary changes.

Can a 302 redirect pass link equity?

No. Search engines usually keep ranking signals with the original URL, not the destination.

How long can you use a 302 redirect?

A 302 redirect should only remain in place for as long as the change is temporary.

Should internal links point to a 302 redirect?

No. Internal links should always point to the URL you want indexed and ranked and 302 redirects do not index.

What is the difference between a 302 and a 307 redirect?

Both are temporary redirects, but a 307 redirect preserves the original request method and is commonly used in modern infrastructure.

Should I change a 302 redirect to a 301 redirect?

Yes, if the change is permanent. If the original URL is not coming back, a 301 redirect is the correct choice.

Use a 301 redirect for permanent moves such as migrations, rebrands or content replacement. Keep a 302 redirect only when the change is truly temporary and the original URL will return.

Using the correct redirect helps search engines understand your intent and avoids indexing delays.

By Shannon Young

Customer Success Manager