A redirect chain happens when a URL redirects to another URL, which then redirects again — forming multiple hops before reaching the final destination. Each extra hop wastes crawl budget, slows page speed, and dilutes link equity. Google recommends keeping redirect chains as short as possible (ideally 0–1 hops).

A 301 redirect signals a permanent move and passes most of the link equity to the new URL. A 302 redirect indicates a temporary change and search engines may keep indexing the original URL. For SEO migrations, always use 301. Avoid 302 unless the redirect is genuinely temporary.

As a rule of thumb, more than 2–3 consecutive redirects can start to harm user experience and SEO. Googlebot may stop following after 5 hops. Tools like this tracer help you identify and fix excessive chains before they become a problem.

307 and 308 are modern equivalents of 302 and 301, but they preserve the HTTP method (e.g., POST stays POST). While not as common, they can appear in API endpoints or advanced configurations. From an SEO perspective, treat 308 like 301 and 307 like 302.

Yes, our tracer detects circular redirects. If a URL redirects to a previously visited URL within the chain, it flags a redirect loop — a critical error that prevents users and bots from reaching any content.

Update your internal links and sitemap to point directly to the final destination URL. Consolidate intermediate redirects so that old URLs redirect straight to the final page. Use this tool to audit and monitor your site regularly.