# 302 Redirect

An HTTP status code that refers to a URL being temporarily redirected to another URL; the search engine continues to keep the original URL in the index.

**302 Redirect (Temporary Redirect)**, is an HTTP status code indicating that a URL has been redirected _temporarily_ to another URL. Search engines continue to keep the original URL in the index and do **not fully transfer** its SEO value to the redirected URL.

The critical difference between 301 and 302:

- **301:** Permanent; passes SEO value; the old URL drops out of the index.
- **302:** Temporary; does not fully pass SEO value; the old URL remains in the index.

Situations where 302 should be used:

- Temporary URL changes during A/B tests
- Temporary page redirection during maintenance mode
- Temporary redirection based on geographic location
- Temporary redirection for a mobile-device-specific page

Common mistake: **Using a 302 for permanent moves.** In this case, SEO value is lost, and the search engine keeps following the old URL for months, waiting to see, “will it come back?”

**Tip:** If you are unsure, use 301. If the redirect is not truly temporary, 301 is always the right choice.