What 302 redirect means
302s are for short-term moves, like a seasonal promotion. Using one when a move is permanent can confuse search engines about which page to rank. When in doubt about a permanent change, use a 301.
Why it matters for your website
Picking the wrong redirect type sends search engines the wrong message. A 302 tells them to keep the original URL in their index, which is right for short-term changes but can slow things down if the move is actually permanent. Using it correctly keeps your rankings on the page you intend.
Example
An online shop sends visitors from its winter coats category to a holiday sale page for two weeks using a 302. After the sale, the redirect comes off and the original page carries on as normal.
Tips
- Use a 302 only when you truly plan to bring the original URL back.
- Set a reminder to remove temporary redirects when the promotion or maintenance ends.
- Check your redirect plugin or server settings, since some default to 302 without telling you.
Common mistakes
- Using a 302 for a permanent site migration because it was the plugin's default setting.
- Leaving a 'temporary' redirect up for years and forgetting why it exists.
Questions about 302 redirect
What is 302 redirect?
A temporary redirect that sends visitors to another URL while signaling the original will return.
What is the difference between a 301 and a 302 redirect?
A 301 says the page has moved for good, so search engines should index the new URL. A 302 says the move is temporary, so they generally keep the original URL. Visitors see the same result either way.
Will Google treat a long-running 302 like a 301?
Google has said that if a temporary redirect stays in place for a long time, it may start treating it as permanent. It is still clearer to use a 301 when you know the move is permanent.
