What Is a 302 Redirect (And When to Actually Use It)?
Here’s the deal: not all redirects are created equal. If you're building or managing a website and don’t understand when to use a 302 redirect, you're probably leaking SEO value—and losing users.
Let’s fix that.
So, What’s a 302 Redirect?
A 302 redirect tells both users and search engines, “Hey, this page has moved... but it’s only temporary.” Think of it like putting up a “Back in 5 minutes” sign on your shop door.
The Mistake Most People Make
Most site owners use 302s when they really need a 301 (which signals a permanent move). Google takes your word for it. So if you're using a 302 when a page is actually gone forever? You're telling search engines not to pass link equity—and that's traffic (and ranking power) down the drain.
When You Should Use a 302
- You’re A/B testing a new page and will revert soon.
- The original page is under maintenance.
- You’re temporarily redirecting users during a promo.
In these cases, a 302 is perfect. It keeps your SEO equity on the original page, while giving you the flexibility to reroute users.
Pro Tip
Always track your redirects with tools like Screaming Frog, Ahrefs, or Google Search Console. Know what’s live, what’s temporary, and what’s broken. Redirects can be your best friend—or your silent killer.