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Free Redirect Checker

Test URL redirects and HTTP response codes. Check 301, 302, and redirect chains to ensure proper SEO implementation.

Last Updated: 15 Jan 2026

What is a Redirect Checker?

A redirect checker is an SEO tool that tests URL redirects and HTTP status codes. It follows redirect chains to identify 301 (permanent) and 302 (temporary) redirects, checks redirect loops, and verifies that redirects are properly configured for SEO. Redirect checkers help ensure proper redirect implementation, preserve SEO value, and maintain link equity during site migrations or URL changes.

Proper redirect configuration is essential for SEO because redirects pass link equity, preserve search rankings, and maintain user experience when URLs change. Redirect checkers help verify that redirects work correctly, identify redirect chains or loops, and ensure SEO value is preserved during site changes.

Why Use Our Free Redirect Checker?

SEO Verification

Verify redirects preserve SEO value. Check that 301 redirects properly pass link equity and maintain search rankings during URL changes.

Redirect Chain Detection

Identify redirect chains and loops that can slow down page loads and waste crawl budget. Find and fix inefficient redirect configurations.

HTTP Status Verification

Verify HTTP status codes (301, 302, 404, etc.) to ensure proper redirect implementation. Check that redirects use correct status codes for SEO.

Common Use Cases for Redirect Checker

SEO Management

  • Site Migrations

    Verify redirects after site migrations or URL changes. Ensure 301 redirects properly pass link equity and preserve search rankings.

  • Link Equity Preservation

    Check that redirects preserve link equity. Verify 301 redirects pass page authority to new URLs, maintaining SEO value.

  • Crawl Budget Optimization

    Identify redirect chains that waste crawl budget. Fix inefficient redirects to optimize how search engines crawl your site.

Technical SEO

  • Redirect Loop Detection

    Find redirect loops that can cause infinite redirects. Identify and fix circular redirects that break user experience and waste server resources.

  • Status Code Verification

    Verify HTTP status codes are correct. Ensure permanent redirects use 301 (not 302) to properly pass SEO value and maintain rankings.

  • Performance Impact

    Check redirect performance impact. Long redirect chains slow page loads and can negatively affect user experience and SEO.

Understanding Redirect Types

301 Redirect (Permanent)

A 301 redirect is a permanent redirect that tells search engines a page has moved permanently. It passes SEO value (link equity) to the new URL and is the recommended redirect type for permanent moves.

SEO Impact: Passes link equity, preserves rankings, signals permanent move to search engines

302 Redirect (Temporary)

A 302 redirect is a temporary redirect that tells search engines a page has moved temporarily. It doesn't pass full SEO value and should only be used for temporary moves.

SEO Impact: Doesn't pass full link equity, search engines may not update rankings

1

When to Use 301 Redirects

Use 301 redirects for permanent URL changes, site migrations, HTTP to HTTPS moves, or when consolidating duplicate content. Always use 301 for permanent moves to preserve SEO value.

2

Redirect Chains and Loops

Redirect chains (multiple redirects in sequence) and loops (circular redirects) waste crawl budget and slow page loads. Always redirect directly to the final destination when possible.

Redirect Best Practices

Use 301 for Permanent Moves

Always use 301 redirects for permanent URL changes. They pass link equity and preserve SEO value, while 302 redirects don't pass full SEO value.

Tip: Use 302 only for truly temporary redirects that will be removed soon.

Avoid Redirect Chains

Redirect directly to the final destination. Multiple redirects in sequence (chains) waste crawl budget and slow page loads, hurting SEO and user experience.

Tip: Update old redirects to point directly to final URLs, not intermediate redirects.

Test Redirects Regularly

Check redirects after site changes, migrations, or URL updates. Verify they work correctly and preserve SEO value.

Tip: Use redirect checker tools to verify redirects work correctly and identify issues.

Fix Redirect Loops

Identify and fix redirect loops immediately. Circular redirects break user experience, waste server resources, and can hurt SEO.

Tip: Redirect checker tools can identify loops by following redirect chains.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a 301 redirect?

A 301 redirect is a permanent redirect that tells search engines a page has moved permanently. It passes SEO value (link equity) to the new URL and is the recommended redirect type for permanent moves to preserve search rankings.

What's the difference between 301 and 302 redirects?

301 redirects are permanent and pass full SEO value to the new URL. 302 redirects are temporary and don't pass full link equity. Always use 301 for permanent moves to preserve SEO value.

Do redirects affect SEO?

Yes, redirects affect SEO. Proper 301 redirects preserve SEO value and rankings. Redirect chains and loops waste crawl budget and can hurt SEO. Always use 301 for permanent moves and avoid redirect chains.

What are redirect chains?

Redirect chains occur when multiple redirects happen in sequence (URL A → URL B → URL C). They waste crawl budget and slow page loads. Always redirect directly to the final destination when possible.

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