Redirect Checker
Trace every hop from an old link to the final page and check that every version of your domain ends up in the same place.
How to Use the Redirect Checker
- Enter any address, like an old page from before a redesign.
- We follow each redirect by hand and record the status code and timing of every hop.
- We also test the http, https, www and non-www versions of the same address.
Why Chains and Mixed Versions Hurt
Every hop adds a round trip before the page starts loading, and Google follows a limited number of hops in a row. After a few site moves it's common for an old link to bounce through 3 or 4 addresses. Pointing it straight at the final page fixes both problems.
If yoursite.com and www.yoursite.com both load without redirecting, Google sees 2 copies of every page. Pick 1 version and redirect everything else to it.
301 or 302
Use 301 or 308 when a page has moved for good, like after a redesign. Use 302 or 307 only for short term moves, such as a seasonal page. A temporary redirect left in place for months tells Google to keep the old address in results longer than you want.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many redirects is too many?
Aim for 1. Two is fine for an old http link that has to switch to https and then to a new path. Anything longer is worth flattening.
Do redirects lose SEO value?
Google has said a redirect on its own doesn't lose ranking value. The real losses come from chains, loops, temporary redirects left in place and old pages sent to an unrelated page like the homepage.
Can I check a list of URLs?
This checks 1 at a time. To build redirects for a whole site move, use our redirect map generator, which also catches chains and loops in your list.
More Free Tools
See Where Your Site Stands First
Share your website and goals and we will review indexing, pages, speed, your Google Business Profile and competitors by hand, then send a short action plan within two business days.
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