301 Redirect Checker
Check URL redirect chains and verify 301 redirects are working correctly. Analyze the complete redirect path, status codes, and response times to ensure optimal SEO performance.
Enter a URL with or without the protocol. HTTPS will be used by default if not specified.
Enter a URL above to check its redirect chain
Table of Contents
What is a 301 Redirect?
A 301 redirect is an HTTP status code that indicates a URL has been permanently moved to a new location. When a browser or search engine encounters a 301 redirect, it automatically navigates to the new URL and understands that the original URL should no longer be used.
The "301" in 301 redirect refers to the HTTP status code returned by the server. This code tells browsers and search engines:
- The move is permanent — The original URL will no longer be used
- Update your records — Search engines should transfer ranking signals to the new URL
- Cache the redirect — Browsers can remember this redirect for future visits
301 redirects are essential for maintaining SEO value when changing URLs, migrating websites, or consolidating duplicate content.
Why Check Redirects?
Preserve SEO Value
When you change URLs, you risk losing the SEO value (link equity, rankings, authority) that the original URL accumulated. Properly implemented 301 redirects transfer most of this value to the new URL.
Identify Redirect Chains
Redirect chains occur when one redirect leads to another, which leads to another, and so on. Each hop in the chain:
- Adds latency and slows down page load
- May cause search engines to stop following after a certain number of hops
- Can dilute the SEO value passed to the final URL
Detect Broken Redirects
Broken redirects can lead to 404 errors or redirect loops, creating a poor user experience and potentially harming your SEO. Regular checking helps identify and fix these issues.
Verify Correct Implementation
After implementing redirects, it's crucial to verify they work as expected. This tool shows you the complete redirect path, helping you confirm your configuration is correct.
Types of HTTP Redirects
Type: Permanent
SEO: Passes ~90-99% of link equity
Type: Temporary
SEO: May not pass full link equity
Type: Temporary
SEO: Used after POST requests
Type: Temporary
SEO: Preserves request method
Type: Permanent
SEO: Similar to 301, preserves method
| Status Code | Name | Type | SEO Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| 301 | Moved Permanently | Permanent | Passes ~90-99% of link equity |
| 302 | Found | Temporary | May not pass full link equity |
| 303 | See Other | Temporary | Used after POST requests |
| 307 | Temporary Redirect | Temporary | Preserves request method |
| 308 | Permanent Redirect | Permanent | Similar to 301, preserves method |
When to Use Each Type
- 301 — Use for permanent URL changes, site migrations, or consolidating duplicate content
- 302 — Use for temporary changes, A/B testing, or maintenance pages
- 307 — Use when you need to preserve the HTTP method (POST, PUT, etc.) for temporary redirects
- 308 — Use when you need to preserve the HTTP method for permanent redirects
Redirect Best Practices
Minimize Redirect Chains
Always redirect directly to the final destination URL. Avoid creating chains like A → B → C when A → C would work. Each additional hop adds latency and may reduce SEO value.
Use 301 for Permanent Changes
If the URL change is permanent, always use a 301 redirect. This signals to search engines that they should transfer ranking signals to the new URL and update their index.
Update Internal Links
Don't rely solely on redirects. Update internal links to point directly to the new URL. This reduces server load and improves user experience.
Monitor Redirect Performance
Regularly audit your redirects to ensure they're working correctly and not creating chains or loops. Use tools like this redirect checker to verify your implementation.
Keep Redirects for at Least 1 Year
Maintain 301 redirects for at least one year after implementation. This gives search engines time to discover and process the change, and ensures users with bookmarked URLs can still reach your content.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ideally, you should have zero or one redirect between any two URLs. Google has stated they will follow up to 10 redirects, but each hop adds latency and may reduce the SEO value passed to the final URL. If you have more than 2 redirects in a chain, consider consolidating them.
301 redirects pass most, but not all, SEO value. Google has confirmed that 301 redirects pass the same PageRank as regular links, but some studies suggest a small amount of value may be lost. The exact amount varies, but estimates range from 90-99% of the original value being passed.
A 301 redirect indicates a permanent move, telling search engines to transfer ranking signals to the new URL and update their index. A 302 redirect indicates a temporary move, suggesting the original URL may return. For permanent URL changes, always use 301 to ensure maximum SEO value transfer.
Keep 301 redirects in place for at least 1 year, and preferably indefinitely if possible. This ensures:
- Search engines have time to discover and process the redirect
- External links pointing to the old URL continue to work
- Users with bookmarks can still reach your content
- Maximum SEO value is preserved
Properly implemented redirects don't hurt SEO — in fact, they're essential for maintaining SEO when changing URLs. However, poor redirect implementation can cause issues:
- Redirect chains add latency and may dilute SEO value
- Redirect loops prevent pages from loading
- Using 302 instead of 301 for permanent changes may not pass full value
- Broken redirects lead to 404 errors
This is expected and recommended behavior. Most websites redirect HTTP requests to HTTPS for security. This redirect ensures all traffic is encrypted. If you see an HTTP → HTTPS redirect, this is typically a good sign that the site is properly configured for security.