What is the difference between HTTP 301 and HTTP 302?

Understanding the difference between HTTP 301 and HTTP 302 redirects helps you manage URL changes correctly and avoid indexing or ranking issues. Both redirects send users from one URL to another, but they communicate very different intentions to browsers and search engines.

This article explains how HTTP 301 vs HTTP 302 redirects work today, when to use each one, and how they affect search engine behavior.

What is an HTTP redirect?

An HTTP redirect instructs a browser or search engine to load a different URL than the one requested. Website owners use redirects when they move pages, change URLs, merge content, or temporarily take a page offline.

Redirects help visitors reach the correct content and help search engines understand how URLs relate to each other.

HTTP 301 vs HTTP 302 – key differences

The main difference between HTTP 301 and HTTP 302 lies in whether the change is permanent or temporary.

HTTP 301 – permanent redirect

An HTTP 301 redirect tells browsers and search engines that a page has moved permanently to a new URL.

Use a 301 redirect when:

• you permanently change a page URL
• you move content to a new location
• you migrate a website or restructure URLs

Search engines treat a 301 redirect as a long-term change. They transfer ranking signals from the old URL to the new one and replace the old address in search results.

HTTP 302 – temporary redirect

An HTTP 302 redirect signals a temporary change. It tells search engines to keep the original URL indexed and expect the redirect to be removed later.

Use a 302 redirect when:

• a page is temporarily unavailable
• you run short-term tests or experiments
• you perform maintenance or limited-time changes

Search engines usually do not transfer full ranking signals with a 302 redirect because they expect the original URL to return.

SEO implications in 2026

Search engines have become better at interpreting redirects, but correct usage still matters.

• A 301 redirect passes ranking signals and consolidates indexing around the new URL.
• A 302 redirect keeps the original URL active in the index and limits ranking transfer.

Using a temporary redirect for a permanent change can delay indexing updates and split ranking signals between URLs.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I use an HTTP 301 redirect?

Use an HTTP 301 redirect when the URL change is permanent and you want the new page to replace the old one in search results.

Can an HTTP 302 redirect harm SEO?

A 302 redirect does not cause harm by itself. Problems appear when you use it for permanent moves, which can prevent search engines from updating their index correctly.

How do I set up HTTP 301 or HTTP 302 redirects?

You can create redirects through:

• server configuration files such as .htaccess
• hosting control panels
• content management system tools or plugins

Can I change a 302 redirect to a 301 later?

Yes. If a temporary change becomes permanent, update the redirect to HTTP 301 so search engines can adjust indexing and ranking signals.

Need help?

Choosing between HTTP 301 vs HTTP 302 depends on intent, not convenience. A permanent change requires a 301 redirect, while a temporary situation calls for a 302 redirect. When you match the redirect type to the actual purpose of the URL change, browsers behave predictably and search engines process your site correctly.

Clear redirect decisions help prevent indexing confusion and keep URL management under control.

If you are unsure whether to use an HTTP 301 or HTTP 302 redirect, review how long the URL change will remain in place. Check existing redirect rules and test the response with a redirect checker to confirm the correct status code.

If the behavior does not match your intent, update the redirect type before search engines reprocess the URL.