Redirect Chain Checker
Redirect Chain Checker is a free tool that follows every redirect on a web address and checks that the www, non-www, http and https versions end at one page.
- Free
- No sign-up
- Checks a live page
When someone opens your address, the server may send them on to another address before the page loads. One hop is normal. Several hops slow the page down, waste Google's time and can leak ranking strength. This checker follows every hop by hand, shows the status code at each step, and tests the four ways people type your address — with and without www, http and https — to make sure they all end at the same page.
Your workspace
Guide
How to use it
- 1Type your website address or any page on it. You can leave out the https://.
- 2Press Check redirects. We follow each redirect one at a time, up to ten, and note where each one points.
- 3Read the steps. A single 301 straight to the final page is ideal; two or more is a chain worth shortening.
- 4Look at the four versions table. If they do not all end at the same address, ask your developer or host to 301-redirect the others to the one you want.
What the results mean
- Redirect
- An instruction from your server saying 'this page has moved, go here instead'. The browser follows it automatically, so visitors rarely notice — but each one adds a little delay.
- 301 and 308
- Permanent redirects. They tell Google the old address is gone for good, so it moves the page's ranking to the new one. Use these for anything permanent.
- 302 and 307
- Temporary redirects. Google keeps the old address in its results because you said the move is short-term. A common mistake when a site moves to https or a new domain.
- Redirect chain
- Two or more redirects in a row, like http → https → www. Each step costs time, and Google may stop following after a few. Point the first address straight at the last one.
- Canonical address
- The one version of your address you want people and Google to use. The other three versions should all redirect to it.
Common questions
Is one redirect bad for SEO?
No. A single permanent (301) redirect, for example from http to https, is completely normal and Google handles it well. Problems start with chains of several redirects, temporary redirects used for permanent moves, and loops.
Should my site use www or not?
Either is fine. What matters is choosing one and redirecting the other to it, so Google sees one website instead of two copies. This tool tells you whether you have done that.
What is a redirect loop?
When address A sends visitors to B and B sends them back to A. The browser gives up with an error and the page never loads. It usually comes from two plugins or settings fighting each other.
How do I fix a redirect chain?
Change the first redirect so it points straight at the final address. In most hosting panels, WordPress redirect plugins or Cloudflare rules that is a one-line edit. Then run this check again.
Guides on this topic
- .htaccess Guide: HTTPS, www, Redirects and CachingWhat the .htaccess file does on cPanel hosting, with safe rules to force HTTPS, pick www, add 301 redirects and caching, and how to fix a 500 error.
- Website Migration SEO Checklist: Keep Your Google RankingsMove to a new domain, platform or URL structure without losing Google rankings: URL mapping, 301 redirects, bulk checks, Change of address and sitemaps.
- How to Find and Fix Broken Links on Your WebsiteFind broken links on one page or your whole site with free checkers, fix each kind step by step, and use 301 redirects properly when pages move.