---
title: "302 redirect"
description: "A 302 redirect is a temporary URL redirect that keeps SEO value with the original address. Learn how it works and when to use it instead of a 301."
url: "https://nodea.io/en/glossary/302-redirect"
lang: "en"
updated: "2026-07-13"
---

# 302 redirect

> A 302 redirect is a temporary redirect from one URL to another, signalling to search engines that the original address will soon return.

A **302 redirect** is a temporary redirect from one URL to another, signalling to browsers and search engines that the original address will soon return. The [HTTP](https://nodea.io/en/glossary/http) 302 status code ('Found') indicates a transitional change, so search engines keep the old address in their index and do not transfer the hard-won SEO value to the new one.

## How a 302 redirect works

When a server responds with a 302 code, it directs the user to the given address while communicating that this is a temporary arrangement. That is the fundamental difference from a [301 redirect](https://nodea.io/en/glossary/301-redirect), which signals a permanent change. The key characteristics of a 302 redirect are:

- **Temporariness** — a message that the original address is still the intended destination URL.
- **Preserved SEO value** — link equity stays with the original address, not the target.
- **No index update** — search engines keep the old URL in the results.
- **Flexibility** — ideal for transitional situations and tests.

## 302 redirects in practice

A 302 redirect fits wherever the change is momentary:

1. **Maintenance work** — temporarily routing users to an informational page.
2. **A/B tests** — directing part of the traffic to a test variant of a page.
3. **Offers and promotions** — temporary campaigns and seasonal pages.

The most common mistake is using a 302 instead of a 301 for a permanent move — this means the new address does not take over the ranking and link equity. On Apache servers both redirect types are configured in the [.htaccess](https://nodea.io/en/glossary/htaccess) file, so before deploying it is worth making sure the chosen status code matches the real intent.

### When should I use a 302 redirect instead of a 301?

A 302 redirect fits temporary changes — A/B tests, a brief maintenance page, a promotion or a regional variant. When the old address is meant to return, a 302 preserves its ranking. For permanent moves, always use a 301.

### Does a 302 redirect hurt SEO?

By itself it does not, as long as it is used as intended — for temporary changes. Problems arise when a 302 is mistakenly used for a permanent move: search engines may then fail to transfer link equity to the new address, weakening visibility.

## Related

- [301 redirect](https://nodea.io/en/glossary/301-redirect)
- [.htaccess](https://nodea.io/en/glossary/htaccess)
- [HTTP](https://nodea.io/en/glossary/http)
- [SEO](https://nodea.io/en/glossary/seo)
- [URL](https://nodea.io/en/glossary/url)

---

Languages: [pl](https://nodea.pl/pl/slownik-pojec/przekierowanie-302.md)  
Site index: [llms.txt](https://nodea.io/en/llms.txt)