URL Redirect Checker
Check URL redirects and follow redirect chains with our free URL Redirect Checker. Detect 301, 302 redirects, find final destination, and check for redirect loops instantly.
- Redirect Types
- All Common
- Loop Detection
- Automatic
- Speed
- 3-10 seconds
- Price
- Free
Check URL Redirects
Enter URL(s), then click 'Check Redirects' to analyze redirect chains.
Free Tier Limits
Up to 3 URLs per check
5 checks per day
4+ URLs: Requires pass
What is a URL Redirect?
A URL redirect is when a web server sends an HTTP response telling the browser to go to a different URL instead of the one originally requested. Redirects are fundamental to how the web works, enabling URL changes, domain migrations, SEO optimization, and maintaining backward compatibility when URLs change.
When you visit a URL that has been redirected, your browser automatically follows the redirect to the new location. This happens transparently to users but is crucial for website management, SEO, and maintaining links. Redirects can be permanent (301), temporary (302), or serve other specific purposes depending on the HTTP status code used.
URL redirects are essential for website management, SEO optimization, domain migrations, URL structure changes, maintaining backward compatibility, and ensuring users and search engines can always find the right content even when URLs change. Understanding redirects is crucial for effective website management and SEO strategy.
How URL Redirects Work
The redirect process involves several steps:
- Initial Request: A browser or client sends an HTTP request to a URL (e.g., https://example.com/old-page).
- Server Response: The web server responds with an HTTP status code in the 3xx range (300-399) indicating a redirect, along with a Location header containing the new URL.
- Browser Follows: The browser automatically follows the redirect by sending a new request to the URL specified in the Location header.
- Redirect Chain: If the new URL also redirects, the browser continues following redirects until reaching a final destination or hitting a redirect loop limit.
- Final Destination: The browser eventually reaches a final URL that returns content (status 200) or an error (4xx/5xx), completing the redirect chain.
Types of URL Redirects
301301 Permanent Redirect
Indicates that the old URL has permanently moved to the new URL. Search engines transfer SEO value (link juice, rankings) from the old URL to the new one. Use for permanent moves, domain migrations, and SEO consolidation.
- •Transfers SEO value
- •Use for permanent moves
- •Search engines update indexes
302302 Temporary Redirect
Indicates that the redirect is temporary and the old URL may return. Search engines don't transfer SEO value with 302 redirects. Use for temporary maintenance, A/B testing, or seasonal redirects.
- •Doesn't transfer SEO value
- •Use for temporary moves
- •Search engines keep old URL indexed
303303 See Other
Indicates that the response to the request can be found at a different URI and should be retrieved using GET. Used after POST requests to redirect to a result page.
- •Used after POST requests
- •Forces GET method on redirect
- •Common in form submissions
307307 Temporary Redirect
Similar to 302 but preserves the HTTP method (GET, POST, etc.) used in the original request. Used when the redirect should maintain the same HTTP method.
- •Preserves HTTP method
- •Use for API redirects
- •Maintains request method
308308 Permanent Redirect
Similar to 301 but preserves the HTTP method. Used for permanent redirects where the request method should be maintained. Common in RESTful APIs.
- •Permanent with method preservation
- •Use for API redirects
- •Transfers SEO value
Understanding the different redirect types is essential for proper website management and SEO. Choosing the right redirect type ensures proper SEO value transfer, maintains user experience, and prevents issues like redirect loops or lost SEO rankings.
Why Check URL Redirects?
Regular redirect checking is essential for website health, SEO performance, and user experience. Here's why checking redirects matters:
1. SEO Value Transfer
Proper redirect checking ensures SEO value (link juice, rankings, authority) is correctly transferred from old URLs to new ones. 301 redirects transfer SEO value, while 302 redirects don't. Checking redirects helps verify that permanent moves use 301 redirects and that redirect chains aren't too long (which can dilute SEO value).
2. Detect Redirect Loops
Redirect loops occur when URL A redirects to URL B, which redirects back to URL A. This creates an infinite loop that prevents pages from loading. Redirect checking helps detect loops early, allowing you to fix them before users encounter errors. Loops can cause significant SEO and user experience issues.
3. Verify Domain Migrations
When migrating domains or changing URL structures, redirect checking ensures all old URLs correctly redirect to new locations. This is crucial for maintaining SEO rankings, preserving link value, and ensuring users can always find content. Comprehensive redirect checking verifies entire redirect chains work correctly.
4. Performance Optimization
Long redirect chains (multiple redirects in sequence) slow down page loads and can dilute SEO value. Redirect checking helps identify and optimize long chains, ensuring users reach content quickly. Each redirect adds latency, so minimizing redirect chains improves performance and user experience.
5. Correct Redirect Types
Using the wrong redirect type (e.g., 302 instead of 301 for permanent moves) can hurt SEO. Redirect checking verifies that permanent moves use 301 redirects and temporary redirects use 302. This ensures proper SEO value transfer and search engine indexing.
6. Broken Redirect Chains
Redirect chains can break if intermediate URLs are removed or changed incorrectly. Regular redirect checking identifies broken chains, ensuring all redirects lead to valid final destinations. Broken redirects create dead ends that frustrate users and waste crawl budget.
How to Use Our URL Redirect Checker
Our URL redirect checker makes it easy to check redirects and follow redirect chains. Follow these simple steps:
Enter URL
Enter the URL you want to check (e.g., https://example.com/old-page) into the input field. You can include or omit https:// - the tool will add it if missing.
Check Redirects
Click the "Check Redirects" button. Our server will follow the redirect chain, analyzing each step. This typically takes 3-10 seconds depending on the number of redirects.
Review Results
View the redirect chain showing each step including status codes (301, 302, etc.), redirect types, response times, and the final destination URL. Check for redirect loops or issues.
URL Redirect Best Practices
Effective redirect management requires proper strategy and regular monitoring. Here are best practices:
Redirect Type Selection
- •Use 301 for permanent moves
- •Use 302 for temporary redirects
- •Avoid using 302 for permanent moves
- •Use 303/307/308 for specific cases
Redirect Chain Optimization
- •Keep redirect chains short (1-2 redirects max)
- •Avoid multiple consecutive redirects
- •Redirect directly to final destination when possible
- •Update old redirects to point to new final URLs
Loop Prevention
- •Test redirects before deploying
- •Check for circular redirect patterns
- •Monitor redirect chains regularly
- •Fix loops immediately when detected
SEO Considerations
- •Always use 301 for permanent moves
- •Update internal links to new URLs over time
- •Monitor redirect performance in Google Search Console
- •Keep redirects active for at least 6-12 months
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a URL redirect?
A URL redirect is when a web server sends a response telling the browser to go to a different URL instead of the one requested. Common redirect types include 301 (permanent redirect), 302 (temporary redirect), 303 (See Other), 307 (Temporary Redirect), and 308 (Permanent Redirect). Redirects are used for URL changes, domain migrations, SEO purposes, and maintaining backward compatibility.
How do I check URL redirects?
Enter the URL you want to check (with or without https://) into the input field, then click 'Check Redirects'. The tool will follow the redirect chain, showing each step including status codes, redirect types (301, 302, etc.), and the final destination URL. Results typically appear within 3-10 seconds depending on the number of redirects.
What is the difference between 301 and 302 redirects?
A 301 redirect is permanent, meaning the old URL has permanently moved to the new URL. Search engines transfer SEO value from the old URL to the new one. A 302 redirect is temporary, meaning the old URL may return. Search engines don't transfer SEO value with 302 redirects. Use 301 for permanent moves, domain migrations, and SEO consolidation. Use 302 for temporary maintenance, A/B testing, or seasonal redirects.
What is a redirect loop?
A redirect loop occurs when URL A redirects to URL B, which redirects back to URL A (or through a chain that eventually loops back). This creates an infinite loop that browsers detect and stop. Redirect loops prevent pages from loading and should be fixed immediately. Common causes include incorrect redirect chains, misconfigured server rules, and conflicting redirect rules.
Can I check multiple URLs at once?
Yes, you can check multiple URLs at once. Free tier allows checking up to 3 URLs. Batch processing (4+ URLs) requires a Processing Pass. With a Processing Pass, you can check up to 20 URLs in a single batch, making it efficient for analyzing multiple URLs or your entire redirect structure.
Why should I check URL redirects?
Checking URL redirects helps ensure proper SEO value transfer, verify domain migrations, detect redirect loops, confirm correct redirect types (301 vs 302), validate URL changes, identify broken redirect chains, and maintain website performance. Regular redirect checking is essential for SEO maintenance and website health.
Is this redirect checker tool free to use?
Yes, our URL Redirect Checker tool is free for checking 1-3 URLs (up to 5 checks per day). Batch processing and higher daily limits require a Processing Pass. We aim to provide valuable tools for free while offering premium options for power users and businesses.
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