A 302 redirect is a temporary instruction that tells web browsers and search engines that a webpage has moved to a different location for a short period. Unlike permanent redirects, a 302 signals that the original URL will likely be used again in the future.

When a user or search engine bot visits a page with a 302 redirect, they are automatically sent to the new, temporary URL. This happens seamlessly, usually without the visitor noticing. The key purposes of a 302 redirect include:

• A/B Testing: Temporarily sending traffic to a different page version.
• Site Maintenance: Directing users to a maintenance page during updates.
• Promotional Campaigns: Redirecting to a special landing page for a limited-time offer.

Crucially for SEO, search engines typically keep the original page indexed and do not transfer its "link equity" (ranking power) to the new page. This is the main difference from a 301 (permanent) redirect, which does pass on ranking signals. Use a 302 only when the move is genuinely temporary. For permanent changes, always use a 301 redirect to preserve your site's search engine rankings.

To implement a 302 redirect, you can use code in your website's .htaccess file (on Apache servers) or through your hosting control panel's redirect tools. Always test your redirects to ensure they work correctly and serve the intended user experience.