A 302 Redirect is a way to temporarily send visitors and search engines from one URL to another. Unlike a 301 redirect (which is permanent), a 302 tells browsers:
“This page is just moved for now—don’t forget about the original.”
It’s a useful tool when you’re testing new content, running temporary campaigns, or performing maintenance. But used incorrectly, it can confuse search engines and dilute your SEO—so understanding when (and when not) to use a 302 is key.
What does a 302 actually do?
When a browser or search engine visits a page with a 302 redirect, it follows the redirect to the new page, but keeps the original URL in its memory. That means:
- The original URL is still seen as the “main” one.
- The new URL is treated as temporary.
- SEO value stays with the original page, not the one you’re redirecting to.
When to use a 302 redirect
- A/B testing different versions of a page (when you plan to revert later)
- Temporarily sending traffic elsewhere during site maintenance or content updates
- Seasonal promotions or landing pages that you only run for a limited time
- Geotargeting or mobile redirects, if done dynamically and responsibly
Example: If you’re updating a product page but want to keep it live in the background, you could temporarily 302-redirect traffic to a temporary sales page.
Why it matters for SEO
Search engines treat 302 redirects differently than 301s. A 301 redirect signals a permanent move, passing on most of the original page’s ranking power to the new page. A 302 says, “Hold up—we might come back,” so search engines generally:
- Don’t pass link equity to the destination page
- Keep indexing the original page
- Avoid showing the redirected page in search results
That’s great if the move is actually temporary. But if you accidentally use a 302 when a 301 is needed, you can lose SEO rankings, traffic, and backlinks without realizing it.
Common misuse of 302s
- Redirecting old blog posts or products with a 302 instead of a 301
- Setting up temporary redirects and forgetting to remove or update them
- Using 302s in automated systems (plugins or CMS features) without understanding the long-term impact
How to check or manage 302 redirects
If you’re unsure whether you’re using 302s or 301s:
- Use tools like Redirect Checker or browser dev tools
- Review your site’s redirects via plugins (e.g. Redirection in WordPress)
- Check your hosting or server configuration
- Look for redirect issues in Google Search Console
Bottom line
302 redirects are the right tool when you want to temporarily shift traffic without changing your original URL’s SEO standing. Just don’t confuse “temporary” with “forever.” If the change becomes permanent, switch to a 301—your rankings and backlinks will thank you.
