Imagine you’re updating your website and want visitors to go to a different page for a short time. That’s where a 302 redirect comes in. It tells browsers, “This page moved temporarily—don’t forget the original!”
Let’s break it down in a way that’s easy to follow.
What Is a 302 Redirect?
A 302 redirect is a type of HTTP status code that tells search engines and browsers the page has temporarily moved to another location.
It’s different from a 301 redirect, which means the move is permanent.
In Simple Terms:
- 301 redirect = “I moved here forever.”
- 302 redirect = “I’m just staying here for a while.”
When to Use a 302 Redirect
A 302 redirect is perfect when:
- You’re running A/B tests on landing pages
- A page is under maintenance
- You want to temporarily promote another page
Using it correctly helps keep your original URL’s search ranking safe.
302 vs 301 Redirect: Key Differences
| Feature | 301 Redirect | 302 Redirect |
|---|---|---|
| Type of redirect | Permanent | Temporary |
| SEO effect | Passes link equity | Does not pass link equity |
| Search engine update | Yes (updates index) | No (retains old URL) |
| Best for | URL changes | Temporary content switch |
SEO Effect of a 302 Redirect
Search engines treat 302s as temporary. That means:
- Your original page stays in search results
- No link juice is passed to the new page
- Ranking impact is low—if used properly
If a 302 stays active too long, search engines may treat it as a 301. That can hurt your SEO if you didn’t mean to make the change permanent.
How Browsers Handle a 302 Redirect
When a browser sees a 302:
- It quickly jumps to the new page
- It does not update bookmarks or cache
- It keeps the original URL in the search engine index
So users and bots know the move is just for now.
Dynamic and JavaScript-Based Redirects
You can set up 302 redirects in different ways:
- Server-side: Best for SEO (e.g., PHP, Apache, NGINX)
- JavaScript-based: Less reliable for search engines
Use server-side redirects when possible. JavaScript-based ones may not be seen by all bots.
Did You Know?
Some websites use 302 redirects to:
- Show content based on user location
- Personalize content without hurting SEO
- Test new designs before full rollout
But misuse can confuse search engines.
Key Takeaways
- A 302 redirect is used for temporary moves
- It’s ideal for short-term promotions or tests
- It doesn’t pass SEO value like a 301 redirect
- Always switch to 301 if the move becomes permanent
FAQs
What is the difference between 302 and 301 redirect?
A 302 is a temporary redirect, while a 301 is permanent and passes SEO value.
Can a 302 redirect hurt SEO?
If used incorrectly or left in place too long, it can cause ranking issues.
How long should I keep a 302 redirect?
As short as needed. If the move is permanent, switch to a 301.
Are JavaScript redirects good for SEO?
Not always. Some bots may miss them, so prefer server-side 302s.
How do search engines treat 302 redirects?
They treat it as temporary and keep the original URL indexed.
