302 Redirect: A Temporary Detour That Keeps the Original URL Indexed
A 302 redirect points visitors to another URL for a short time while search engines keep the original page indexed. Here is when to reach for one.
A 302 redirect is a temporary HTTP status code that sends visitors from one URL to another while telling search engines the change may be reverted.
What a 302 Redirect Does
Because a 302 signals a temporary move, search engines keep the original URL as the indexed address and leave most ranking signals with it.
When to Use a 302
- A/B testing a new landing page.
- Seasonal promos that will be removed later.
- Short-term maintenance or notice pages.
- Temporary device-specific experiences.
302 vs. 301 Redirects
A 301 redirect says moved permanently and transfers equity to the new URL. A 302 says moved for now and keeps the original as the home address.
Does a 302 Hurt SEO?
Used correctly, no. Problems appear when a permanent move is left behind a 302, since search engines never transfer the ranking signals they would with a 301.
The change: a store runs a two-week sale and points the homepage at a promo page.
The setup: the homepage gets a 302 redirect to the sale page.
The reading: crawlers keep the homepage indexed as the canonical address.
Why it works: when the sale ends, removing the redirect returns users to the homepage with no loss of value.
Quick Tip
If you are unsure whether a move is permanent, ask if you would be surprised to see the old URL return. Yes or maybe means a 302; no means a 301.
Frequently Asked Questions
302 Redirects, Bottom Line
A 302 is the honest way to say a URL is away for a little while.
Temporary changes get a 302; permanent ones get a 301.