What is a 302 Redirect?

Synonyms: Temporary URL redirect HTTP 302 status

A 302 redirect is a temporary redirect from one URL to another. When a user or a search engine tries to access the original URL, the server temporarily sends them to a different URL. Unlike a 301 redirect (which is permanent), a 302 indicates that the change is only for a short period, and the original URL will be restored later.

When Should You Use a 302 Redirect?

A 302 redirect is useful in situations where you need to redirect traffic temporarily without permanently affecting the original URL’s search engine rankings or user access. Here are some common scenarios:

• Temporary maintenance: If a page or website is under maintenance, you can temporarily redirect users to another page while work is being done.
• A/B testing: You can use a 302 redirect to test different versions of a webpage without permanently moving the original.
• Seasonal content: For example, you might temporarily redirect users to a seasonal promotion page during a specific event and then revert them to the original content later.

How Does a 302 Redirect Affect SEO?

Unlike a 301 redirect, which transfers almost all of the SEO value from the old URL to the new one, a 302 redirect does not pass link equity. Since search engines consider 302 redirects as temporary, they continue to index and rank the original URL rather than the new one.

This means that if you’re planning to make a permanent change, using a 302 redirect could hurt your SEO because search engines won’t transfer the ranking power to the new page. However, for short-term redirects, a 302 is the right choice because it signals that the original URL will return.

How to Set Up a 302 Redirect

The process for setting up a 302 redirect depends on the platform you are using:

• WordPress: Plugins like Swift SEO allow you to manage 302 redirects easily without technical knowledge.
• Apache server: You can set up a 302 redirect by modifying the .htaccess file.
• Nginx server: Similar to Apache, 302 redirects can be added directly in the server configuration files.

Best Practices

• Use 302 only when necessary: Since it doesn’t transfer SEO value, only use a 302 redirect for temporary changes.
• Don’t confuse it with a 301: If your intention is to make a permanent change, always use a 301 redirect instead of a 302 to maintain SEO rankings.
• Test the redirect: Always check that your redirect is working correctly and leading users to the right destination.