By Hridoy Ahmed | Last updated: October 2026 | 5 min read
Short answer: To check a redirect, enter the URL in a redirect checker and read each step. A 301 or 308 means “moved for good”. A 302 or 307 means “moved for now”. Fix any chain with more than one hop by pointing the first URL straight to the final page.
Why use a redirect checker?
Short answer: Your browser hides redirects. You only see the final page. A redirect checker shows every hop in between, so you can find chains, loops and wrong status codes before they cost you traffic.
Real use case: You changed a page URL last month. An old link on another site still points to the old address. You test the old URL and see it takes two hops before it reaches the new page. You fix it to one hop.
Benefits
- Find redirect chains and loops in seconds
- Confirm a permanent move uses 301 or 308, not 302
- Check that HTTP goes to HTTPS in one step
- Test after a redesign, migration or URL change
Why use this tool
- Free, no signup.
- Live check. The result is not saved.
- Plain steps. Each hop shows the status code and where it goes.
You do not need it if you have never changed a URL, moved hosts or switched to HTTPS.
Check a redirect in 4 steps
- Open the tool. Use my free Redirect Checker.
- Enter the URL you want to trace, for example your old page address.
- Click Trace redirects. The tool follows each hop live.
- Read every step. Look at the status code and where it sends the visitor.
What the status codes mean
- 301 or 308: permanent move. Use this when a URL changes for good.
- 302 or 307: temporary move. Use this only when the old URL will come back.
- 200: the page loads. This is the end of a good redirect.
- 404: the final page is missing. Fix the destination.
What to fix
- Redirect chains. A to B to C. Point A straight to C. Googlebot can follow several hops, but each one adds delay.
- Redirect loops. A sends to B and B sends back to A. The page never loads.
- Temporary codes on permanent moves. Change 302 to 301 when the move is final.
- HTTP to HTTPS. Every http:// URL should go to https:// in one hop.
Common mistakes
- Redirecting every old page to the homepage
- Leaving old redirects in place after a second redesign
- Linking to the old URL inside your own site instead of updating the link
For a wider guide, read my post on fixing broken links and redirects, or the full technical SEO checklist for WordPress.
FAQ
Does the tool follow JavaScript or meta refresh redirects?
No. It follows HTTP redirects only, the ones sent in the response headers.
Is my result saved?
No. The check is live and nothing is stored.
How many redirects are too many?
One hop is best. If you see two or more, fix the first redirect so it goes straight to the final page.
Try the tool: Check your redirects now. Need help fixing a large site? See my technical SEO service.
About the author: Hridoy Ahmed is an SEO specialist and WordPress security expert based in Dhaka, Bangladesh. He has 8+ years of experience and works with clients worldwide.