Free tools / Redirect chain checker
Free redirect chain checker
Enter a web address and see every redirect on the way to the final page, with the status code for each step.
What this tool checks
- Each hop with its status code (301, 302 and others)
- The final page and its status
- Chains longer than one redirect
- Redirect loops
- Redirects that drop from HTTPS to HTTP
Why it matters
A redirect sends visitors and search engines from one address to another. Long chains slow pages down and can lose the link value that points to them. Ideally there is one hop at most.
Want this for every page of a website? See Redirect checks in SEOSage.
Source: Google Search Central: redirects.
How to read your result
- Each row is one hop with its status code. 301 and 308 are permanent. 302 and 307 are temporary.
- One redirect is normal, for example http to https, or adding a slash.
- Two or more in a row is a chain. Each hop adds delay.
- A loop never ends. An error at the end means visitors reach a broken page.
Common problems and fixes
- A chain of redirects. Point the first address straight at the final page.
- A redirect loop. Fix the rule that sends the address back to where it started.
- A 302 used for a permanent move. Use a 301 so search engines know the move is permanent.
- A redirect from HTTPS to HTTP. Redirect to the HTTPS address instead.
Questions about the redirect chain checker
What is a redirect chain?
A redirect chain is when one address redirects to a second, which redirects to a third. Each extra hop adds delay.
What is the difference between a 301 and a 302?
A 301 is permanent and tells search engines the page has moved. A 302 is temporary. Use a 301 when the move is for good.
How many redirects are too many?
One is normal. Two or more in a row is worth fixing by pointing the first address straight at the final page.
Can SEOSage find redirect chains across a whole site?
Yes. A crawl lists chains, loops, redirects that end on a broken page and redirects from HTTPS to HTTP.
Check every page of your website
SEOSage crawls your whole website on your own computer, with no page limit, and lists what to fix. Free for 14 days, cancel any time.