Definition
A Temporary Redirect, commonly known as a 302 redirect, is an HTTP status code used to indicate that a webpage has been temporarily moved to a different URL. This code informs both browsers and search engines that the change is not permanent and that the original URL will likely be restored in the future.
What is it?
A Temporary Redirect is an instruction embedded in a website’s server configuration or within its code that reroutes visitors from the current URL to another for a short period of time. Unlike a Permanent Redirect (301), which transfers link equity permanently to the new URL, a 302 redirect tells search engines that the redirection is only for a limited duration—such as during site maintenance, updates, or temporary promotional campaigns. This ensures that the original URL retains its SEO value while accommodating the need for temporary changes. Since the redirection is not intended to be permanent, search engines continue to index the original URL, preserving its established ranking and link signals.
How is it used?
Webmasters typically implement a 302 redirect when they need to perform temporary site modifications without impacting the overall SEO performance. For instance, during a site maintenance period, a temporary redirect might be set up to send users to a maintenance page, with the assurance that normal operations will resume shortly. This approach helps avoid any long-term disruption in user experience and search rankings. It is important to monitor and remove temporary redirects once the temporary condition has passed to prevent any confusion for both users and search engine crawlers.
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