Comparison
HTTP 301 Moved Permanently vs HTTP 302 Found
The primary difference between HTTP 301 Moved Permanently and HTTP 302 Found lies in their intended use for redirects. HTTP 301 indicates a permanent redirect, signaling to search engines to update their indexes, while HTTP 302 is for temporary redirects, instructing search engines not to change their indexing.
At a glance
| Aspect | HTTP 301 Moved Permanently | HTTP 302 Found |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | A permanent redirect indicating that the resource has moved to a new URL. | A temporary redirect indicating that the resource is temporarily located at a different URL. |
| Use case | Used when a page has permanently moved to a new location. | Used when a page is temporarily unavailable or moved. |
| When it applies | Applies when you want search engines to transfer link equity to the new URL. | Applies when the original URL will return to service soon. |
| Who owns it | Typically owned by webmasters or site owners managing site migrations. | Often used by developers during maintenance or updates. |
| Common mistake | Using 301 when the redirect is actually temporary. | Using 302 when the redirect is permanent. |
When to use HTTP 301 Moved Permanently
HTTP 301 Moved Permanently should be used when you have permanently changed the URL of a page, such as during a site migration or when consolidating content. This informs search engines to pass the SEO value from the old URL to the new one, ensuring that users and search engines are directed to the correct page without losing traffic or ranking.
When to use HTTP 302 Found
HTTP 302 Found is appropriate when a page is temporarily moved, such as during A/B testing or when a page is under maintenance. This allows you to redirect users to a temporary location without affecting the original page's SEO rankings, as search engines will not transfer link equity to the temporary URL.
How they relate
HTTP 301 and HTTP 302 redirects serve different purposes in managing web traffic and SEO. While they both facilitate the redirecting of users and search engines from one URL to another, HTTP 301 is used for permanent changes that require search engines to update their indexes, whereas HTTP 302 is for temporary situations where the original URL will be reinstated. Understanding when to use each is crucial for effective SEO management.
Frequently asked
Are HTTP 301 Moved Permanently and HTTP 302 Found the same thing?
No, they are not the same. HTTP 301 indicates a permanent redirect, while HTTP 302 indicates a temporary redirect. This distinction affects how search engines treat the URLs.
Can you use HTTP 301 Moved Permanently without HTTP 302 Found?
Yes, you can use HTTP 301 without HTTP 302. If a page has permanently moved, you would only need to implement a 301 redirect.
Which is more important for SEO?
HTTP 301 is generally more important for SEO as it ensures that link equity is transferred to the new URL, while HTTP 302 does not affect rankings as it is intended for temporary changes.
Comparison reviewed by the SEO Nimbus editorial team — an AI-first SEO agency working with B2B brands in the US, UK, and Australia. Last updated May 18, 2026.
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