Which redirect should I use?
Three questions decide between 301, 302, 303, 307 and 308. Answer them and get the code, the reason and a configuration snippet.
Choose a redirect
Runs in your browserTurn any long URL into a short, trackable link.
Once the destination checks out, shorten it with click analytics by source, location and device, all in one dashboard.
Two questions behind every redirect.
Is the move permanent, and does the request method have to survive?
A permanent redirect tells browsers and search engines to use the new address from now on. A temporary one says the original stays valid. That is the difference between 301 and 302, and between 308 and 307.
The older codes, 301 and 302, leave it open whether a POST turns into a GET. 307 and 308 say explicitly that the method and body must be repeated unchanged. 303 does the opposite: it forces a GET, which is what you want after a form submission.
For ordinary page visits, 301 and 302 are what you need and the newer codes behave the same.
Common questions
Which is best for SEO? +
Use 301, or 308, for a permanent move so search engines transfer the old URL to the new one. Use 302 or 307 only when the move is temporary.
Is 308 better than 301? +
For page visits they are equivalent. 308 additionally guarantees the request method is kept, which matters for forms and APIs.
Why are short links 302? +
The short URL is meant to stay in use while its destination can change, which is a temporary redirect.
How do I verify the redirect I set up? +
Run the old URL through the redirect checker and confirm the status code and the final destination.