What Is a Redirect Checker? How to Track 301, 302 & JavaScript Redirects
A redirect checker is a tool that shows exactly what happens when a URL is opened. Instead of guessing where a link goes, a redirect checker reveals the complete redirect path, including status codes and the final destination URL.
With WhereGoesURL, you can instantly analyze redirects without installing extensions or using developer tools.
Why Redirects Are Important for SEO
Search engines like Google follow redirects to understand how pages are connected. Incorrect redirects can lead to ranking loss, crawl budget waste, and indexing issues.
- Preserve link authority
- Avoid broken or outdated URLs
- Ensure Google indexes the correct page
Types of Redirects Explained
301 Redirect (Permanent)
A 301 redirect tells search engines that a page has permanently moved to a new URL. This is the most SEO-friendly redirect.
Best use cases:
- Domain changes
- HTTP to HTTPS migration
- URL structure updates
302 Redirect (Temporary)
A 302 redirect indicates a temporary move. Google may keep the original URL indexed if this redirect is used long-term.
Use only when:
- Running A/B tests
- Temporary maintenance pages
JavaScript Redirects
JavaScript redirects are executed in the browser using scripts. They are less reliable for SEO because search engines must render the page first.
WhereGoesURL detects JavaScript redirects the same way Googlebot does.
How to Check URL Redirects
- Go to WhereGoesURL Redirect Checker
- Paste the URL you want to analyze
- Click the check button
- View the full redirect chain and final destination
The tool works with short links, tracking URLs, affiliate links, and normal web pages.