302 Redirect
A 302 redirect is a temporary redirect that tells search engines the move is not permanent, preserving the original URL as the canonical destination.
Definition
A 302 redirect signals: 'This content is temporarily at this new URL. Do not update your index. Keep the original URL as the primary address.' Unlike 301 redirects, 302s do not transfer link equity to the destination URL because Google expects the original URL to return.
When 302s Are Appropriate
Use 302s for A/B testing (where the variant URLs change), seasonal promotions (holiday landing pages), soft launches, temporary maintenance pages, and URL-based campaign tracking that should not change the canonical URL.
The 302 Mistake
The most common 302 error: using it for permanent redirects. Some site owners mistakenly use 302 for site migrations because they think they might revert. This prevents link equity transfer and confuses Google. If the move is permanent, use 301. You can always change your mind later, but start with the right status code.
Note
Key takeaways
- 302s are for temporary moves only
- They do not pass link equity like 301s do
- Using 302 for permanent moves is a common and costly mistake
At a glance
- HTTP Code
- 302
- Type
- Temporary redirect
- Equity Passed
- None (original URL retained)
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How 302 Redirect connects
A 302 redirect is a temporary redirect that tells search engines the move is not permanent, preserving the original URL as the canonical destination.
Definition
A 302 redirect signals: 'This content is temporarily at this new URL. Do not update your index. Keep the original URL as the primary address.' Unlike 301 redirects, 302s do not transfer link equity to the destination URL because Google expects the original URL to return.
When 302s Are Appropriate
Use 302s for A/B testing (where the variant URLs change), seasonal promotions (holiday landing pages), soft launches, temporary maintenance pages, and URL-based campaign tracking that should not change the canonical URL.
The 302 Mistake
The most common 302 error: using it for permanent redirects. Some site owners mistakenly use 302 for site migrations because they think they might revert. This prevents link equity transfer and confuses Google. If the move is permanent, use 301. You can always change your mind later, but start with the right status code.
Note
Google has gotten better at recognizing 302 abuse. In some cases, Google may treat a long-standing 302 as a de facto 301 if it has been in place for months. But do not rely on this. Use the correct status code from the start.
Key takeaways:
302s are for temporary moves only
They do not pass link equity like 301s do
Using 302 for permanent moves is a common and costly mistake