If you’ve deleted a webpage and you want it gone for good, use the 410 Gone status. This HTTP code tells browsers and search engines that the page is permanently removed.
Let’s explore what this means, when to use it, and how it helps your SEO.
What Is a 410 Gone Status?
A 410 Gone is an HTTP response code. It tells search engines and browsers the page used to exist, but now it’s gone forever.
That’s different from a 404, which only means the page is missing—for now.
410 vs 404: Key Differences
| Feature | 404 Not Found | 410 Gone |
|---|---|---|
| What it means | Page might be missing | Page is deleted forever |
| How Google treats it | May revisit later | Removes it fast |
| Use case | Typos, broken links | Intentionally deleted content |
So, if you want a page removed quickly, the 410 code works better than 404.
When Should You Use a 410 Gone?
Use it when you want to:
- Delete outdated product pages
- Remove content permanently for legal or privacy reasons
- Clean up spammy or low-value pages
- Tell Google to deindex the page faster
Instead of keeping old URLs that confuse users, let them go with 410.
SEO Benefits of Using 410 Gone
Search engines like clear signals. When they see a 410:
- They quickly drop the page from search results
- They stop crawling the URL again
- They preserve crawl budget for your useful pages
Using this code helps you stay in control of what Google shows from your site.
How the HTTP 410 Response Works
When someone lands on a removed URL, your server replies with:
CopyEditHTTP/1.1 410 Gone
This message confirms that the page once existed but has now been deleted.
You can send this code using:
- Server configurations like
.htaccess - Custom CMS settings
- SEO plugins on WordPress
Where 410 Fits in the Status Code Family
| Status Code | Meaning | Use Case |
|---|---|---|
| 200 | OK | Page loads normally |
| 301 | Moved Permanently | Use when a page changes permanently |
| 302 | Found (Temporary) | Use for short-term redirects |
| 404 | Not Found | Use when page may return |
| 410 | Gone | Use when page is deleted forever |
Each code plays a unique role, and 410 is your go-to for permanent removal.
Did You Know?
Google’s documentation confirms that 410 Gone leads to faster deindexing than 404. So if you want to clean your site, it’s the best tool.
Key Takeaways
- 410 Gone tells search engines the page is permanently deleted
- It removes the page faster than a 404
- Use it when you’re cleaning outdated or sensitive content
- It helps you manage your site’s visibility and health in search engines
FAQs
What does the 410 Gone status mean?
It tells search engines the page has been intentionally removed and will not return.
How is 410 different from 404?
A 404 means the page might come back. A 410 means it’s gone for good.
Why should I use 410 Gone?
It helps remove outdated URLs faster from Google and reduces crawl waste.
Can I set a 410 manually?
Yes. You can do it using server rules, CMS plugins, or code changes.
Is 410 better for SEO than 404?
Yes. It sends a stronger, clearer signal for page removal.
