Redirect checker
Follow a web address through every redirect, with the status code, destination and timing of each hop.
Choosing a check opens its page. With the keyboard, use the arrow keys, then press Enter.
How redirects work
A redirect is a response that tells the browser to go to another address instead, using a Location header and a 3xx status code. Redirects are normal, for example from http:// to https:// or from a bare domain to www, but every extra hop adds a little delay.
We follow the chain one hop at a time, checking each new address before we connect to it, and show the status, destination and time of every hop.
Things to look out for
- Moves from HTTPS to plain HTTP: the connection stops being encrypted, even if a later hop goes back to HTTPS.
- Long chains: redirect straight to the final address where you can.
- Loops: addresses that redirect to each other, so the page never loads.
- Temporary instead of permanent: use 301 or 308 for moves that are permanent so search engines update their links.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between 301 and 302?
301 and 308 are permanent: browsers and search engines may remember the new address. 302, 303 and 307 are temporary: the old address stays the one to use. 307 and 308 also keep the request method, which matters for forms.
How many redirects do you follow?
Up to the limit shown in the result (10 by default). Long chains slow pages down and some clients give up early, so one or two hops is best.
Why did the check stop at a hop?
Every hop is checked before we connect. If a redirect points to a private network address, a non-standard port or something that isn't a web address, we stop there and say so.
Do you follow meta refresh or JavaScript redirects?
No. We follow HTTP redirects only. If the final page contains a meta refresh tag we mention it, but JavaScript redirects can't be seen without running the page.
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