When managing a website, redirects are unavoidable. Whether you’re running marketing campaigns, testing pages, or temporarily moving content, understanding URL redirection is essential.
Among common HTTP status codes, the 302 status code plays a very specific role. Unlike a 301 redirect, a 302 is meant to be temporary, and using it incorrectly can impact your SEO.
This guide explains everything you need to know about the 302 status code, with examples, stats, and best practices.
What Is a 302 Status Code?
A 302 status code is an HTTP response that tells browsers and search engines:
“This page has temporarily moved to a different URL.”It is also known as:
- 302 Found
- 302 Temporary Redirect
- Temporary URL Redirect
Unlike a 301 redirect, a 302 does not signal a permanent change.
What happens when a 302 is used?
- Users are redirected to a temporary URL
- Search engines usually keep the original URL indexed
- Ranking signals may not fully transfer
How a 302 Redirect Works
Here’s how a 302 redirect works step by step:
- User requests the original URL
- Server responds with 302 Found
- Server provides a temporary destination URL
- Browser loads the new page
- Google continues to treat the original URL as primary
This ensures flexibility without permanently changing search engine indexing.
When Should You Use a 302 Redirect?
A 302 redirect should only be used for temporary situations, such as:
Temporary page replacement
Example:
savit.in/offer-page → savit.in/offer-page-v2A/B testing
Testing two versions of a landing page without affecting rankings.
Seasonal campaigns
Redirecting traffic during festivals, sales, or limited-time offers.
Website maintenance
Temporarily redirecting users while a page is under maintenance.
SEO Impact of a 302 Redirect (Real Insights)
Does a 302 redirect pass link equity?
Google has clarified that 302 redirects can pass signals, but:
- Only when Google determines the redirect is long-term
- Signal transfer is not guaranteed
John Mueller (Google) has stated that Google may treat a long-running 302 like a 301 — but you should not rely on this.
SEO Risks
- Prolonged 302 usage can confuse indexing
- Rankings may fluctuate
- Link equity may not consolidate properly
302 Redirect vs 301 Redirect
| Feature | 302 Redirect | 301 Redirect |
| Nature | Temporary | Permanent Redirect |
| Indexing | Original URL | New URL |
| Link Equity | Limited / conditional | Fully passed |
| SEO Use | Short-term changes | Long-term changes |
Rule of thumb:
If the change is permanent → use 301
If the change is temporary → use 302302 Redirect Examples
.htaccess (Apache)
Redirect 302 /old-page https://www.savit.in/temp-pageNginx
rewrite ^/old-page$ https://www.savit.in/temp-page redirect;WordPress
- Use plugins like RankMath or Yoast Premium
- Select 302 Temporary Redirect option
Common Issues With 302 Redirects
- Using 302 for permanent URL changes
- Leaving temporary redirects active for months
- Redirecting important SEO pages via 302
- Not auditing redirects regularly
Fix:
Switch to a 301 redirect once the change becomes permanent.
Tools to Check 302 Redirects
- Screaming Frog – detect 302s at scale
- Google Search Console – URL Inspection tool
- HTTPStatus.io / Redirect Checker
- Chrome DevTools → Network tab
Real Stats & Industry Insights
- Google confirms 302 redirects may pass signals, but not always
- Ahrefs data shows incorrect redirect usage can lead to traffic instability
- Semrush Site Audit reports temporary redirects among top redirect issues
- Sites using wrong redirect types often face indexing delays
FAQs
Is a 302 redirect temporary?
Yes. A 302 status code indicates a temporary move.
Does Google treat 302 as 301?
Sometimes, if the redirect runs for a long time — but this should not be relied upon.
Can a 302 redirect affect SEO?
Yes. Incorrect use can prevent ranking signals from consolidating.
How long can a 302 redirect stay active?
Only as long as the change is temporary.
The 302 status code is a powerful but often misused redirect among redirection status codes. When implemented correctly, it supports temporary changes without harming SEO. However, using it instead of a 301 for permanent changes can lead to ranking loss and indexing confusion.
Always audit your redirects and switch to a 301 redirect when changes become permanent.
