Redirect Checker is a free online tool from Tool Hub Zone that follows a URL and shows every redirect it passes through before it reaches the final page. Enter a link, run the check, and see each step with its status code. It helps you find broken, slow, or looping redirects. It is part of our SEO tools, and no account is needed.
How to Use the Redirect Checker
- Enter the full URL you want to test, including https://.
- Run the check.
- Read each step in the chain, from the first URL to the final one.
- Look at the status codes and count how many steps there are.
What Is a Redirect?
A redirect sends a visitor, and search engines, from one URL to another. Websites use them when a page moves, when a site changes domain, or when several addresses should lead to the same page. For example, a site may send all visitors from the http version to the https version, or from the non-www address to the www address.
Redirect Status Codes Explained
| Code | Meaning | Use it when |
|---|---|---|
| 301 | Moved permanently | A page has a new, lasting address |
| 302 | Found (temporary) | The move is short term and the old URL will return |
| 307 | Temporary redirect | A temporary move that keeps the same request method |
| 308 | Permanent redirect | A permanent move that keeps the same request method |
For ordinary pages, 301 and 302 are the ones you will see most often. A 200 code means the page loaded normally with no redirect, and a 404 means the page was not found.
What Is a Redirect Chain?
A redirect chain happens when one redirect leads to another, and then another, before the final page. Here is an example:
- http://example.com sends to https://example.com
- https://example.com sends to https://www.example.com
- https://www.example.com sends to https://www.example.com/home
This chain has three redirects. A single direct redirect from the first address to the last would give the same result with less delay. The example shows how chains form, and your own results will depend on your site.
Why Are Redirect Chains a Problem?
- They slow the page down. Each extra step needs a new request before any content loads.
- Search engines may stop following. Google has said that its crawler follows a limited number of redirect hops, so very long chains can prevent the final page from being reached.
- They are easy to break. A change in the middle can send visitors to an error page.
As a general rule, keep each redirect to one step.
What Is a Redirect Loop?
A loop happens when URL A redirects to URL B, and B redirects back to A. The browser keeps going until it gives up and shows an error, often saying the page redirected too many times. If your checker shows the same URLs repeating, you have a loop, and it needs fixing in your redirect rules or site settings.
301 or 302: Which Should You Use?
Use a 301 when the move is permanent, such as a new domain, a renamed page, or a switch from http to https. Use a 302 only when the original URL is expected to come back. Using a temporary redirect for a permanent change can leave search engines unsure which address to keep. If you want to confirm which URL is the preferred one for a page, our Canonical Tag Generator can help.
Common Reasons to Check Redirects
- After moving your site to a new domain or to https
- After changing page URLs or your permalink structure
- When a link opens a different page than you expected
- When a page loads slowly and you suspect extra steps
- Before running a campaign that uses shortened or tracked links
Other Kinds of Redirects
Redirects are not always set on the server. A page can also redirect through a meta refresh tag or through JavaScript. These work differently from server redirects, and a checker that reads server responses may not always show them. If you suspect one, inspect the page’s HTML or its response with the HTTP Header Checker.
How to Fix Common Redirect Problems
- Chain with several steps: Point the first URL straight to the final destination.
- Loop: Remove the rule that sends the page back, or check conflicting settings in your plugin, server, or CDN.
- Temporary code for a permanent move: Change the 302 to a 301.
- Redirect to a 404 page: Send the old URL to a relevant live page instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the redirect checker free?
Yes. It is free to use, and you do not need to sign up.
Does it work on a phone?
Yes. You can use it in a browser on a phone, tablet, or computer.
Can I check any URL?
You can check public web addresses. Pages that need a login cannot be checked.
Does it change my website?
No. It only reads how the URL responds. It does not make any changes.
Last updated: October 10, 2026
