A 302 redirect is a temporary HTTP status code that tells search engines a page has moved temporarily. Unlike a 301 redirect, a 302 signals that the original URL should remain in the search index because the move is not permanent. The original page retains its ranking signals and link equity.

301 vs 302 Redirects

The critical difference between 301 and 302 redirects lies in how search engines handle link equity and indexing:

  • 301 (Permanent): Link equity transfers to the new URL. Google eventually removes the old URL from its index
  • 302 (Temporary): Link equity stays with the original URL. Google keeps the old URL indexed
  • Common mistake: Using 302 when you mean 301 causes Google to keep indexing the old URL, splitting ranking signals
  • Impact: Misusing 302 redirects is one of the most common technical SEO errors
Key point: If a redirect has been in place for more than a few weeks, it should almost certainly be a 301, not a 302. Google may eventually treat long-standing 302s as 301s, but relying on this behavior is risky.
301 vs 302 Redirects 301 Redirect Permanent move Passes full link equity Use for site migrations Google consolidates URLs Preferred for SEO 302 Redirect Temporary move May not pass link equity Use for A/B testing Google keeps original URL Use only when truly temporary VS

When to Use 302 Redirects

  • A/B testing: Temporarily sending users to a test page variant
  • Maintenance pages: Redirecting to a temporary maintenance notice
  • Geo-targeting: Sending users to location-specific pages temporarily
  • Seasonal content: Redirecting to holiday or promotional pages that will revert

Why It Matters for SEO

Understanding the distinction between 301 and 302 redirects prevents accidental ranking loss. A misapplied 302 can prevent link equity from consolidating where you need it, causing ranking drops that are difficult to diagnose. Technical SEO audits frequently uncover 302 redirects that should be 301s, and correcting them often produces immediate ranking improvements.