Redirect Checker
Follow a URL through every redirect to the page it finally loads. See each status code and how long each hop took, and get a fix for loops and long chains.
How to use the Redirect Checker
- Paste the URL people or search engines actually request. For an old link, use it exactly as it appears, including
http://orwww. - Run the check. Each hop shows its status code, where it points next and how long it took.
- Fix anything marked Failed first, then shorten chains to a single redirect.
What the status codes mean
| Code | Meaning | Use it when |
|---|---|---|
301 | Moved permanently | A page or whole site has moved for good. Search engines move their ranking to the new URL. |
308 | Permanent, keeps the method | Like 301, but a form POST stays a POST. Useful for APIs. |
302 | Found (temporary) | Short-term moves, such as sending visitors to a sale page for a week. |
307 | Temporary, keeps the method | Temporary moves where the request method must not change. |
Why chains matter
A visitor typing example.com often goes through two redirects: first to https://example.com, then to https://www.example.com. Each one is a full round trip to your server before anything loads, which is noticeable on mobile connections. One rule that sends every variant straight to the final address removes the extra hop. When the result shows a chain like this, we include the Nginx and Apache rule to do it.
Limitations
- JavaScript redirects are not followed, because we do not run the page's scripts. Meta refresh redirects are followed only if you turn that on.
- We check from one location. Sites that redirect visitors by country may behave differently for you.
- Pages behind a login or bot protection may return a challenge page instead of the real redirect.
Questions
How many redirects are too many?
Aim for one. Browsers stop at about 20, and Google follows up to 10, but every extra hop slows the first visit. Chains of three or more are worth fixing.
Why does my browser skip some of these hops?
Browsers remember 301 redirects and HSTS rules, so after the first visit they jump straight to the final URL. This tool starts fresh every time, the way a new visitor or a crawler would. Use a private window to compare.
Do redirects hurt SEO?
A single permanent redirect passes ranking signals to the new URL. Problems come from loops, long chains, temporary redirects used for permanent moves, and redirects that end on a 404.