What is a 302 Status Code
A 302 Found status code is an HTTP response that indicates a resource has been temporarily moved to a different URL. The server is instructing the browser or crawler to request the content from another location, but only for the current request.
Unlike permanent redirects like 301 redirects, a 302 Found status code signals that the original URL is expected to be used again in the future. Because of this, search engines treat 302 Found status codes differently than 301 redirects.
Is a 302 Found Status Code Harmful for SEO
A 302 Found status code is not harmful for SEO on its own. It only becomes problematic when it is used unintentionally or in situations where a permanent redirect is better suited instead.
Search engines typically continue to index the original URL when a 302 redirect is present. If a 302 redirect is used where a permanent move has occurred, ranking signals may not consolidate correctly. This means you can delay or prevent proper indexing of the intended destination page if you use 302 redirects instead of 301 redirects.
How to Resolve 302 Found Status Codes
Resolving 302 Found status codes begins with determining whether the redirect is required or not. If the redirect is meant to be temporary, no action is required, and the 302 status code is appropriate. But, if the redirect is intended to be a permanent redirect, a 302 Found Status code isn’t the right Status Code to use. If the redirect is permanent, you would instead want to use a 301 redirect.
By using the proper Status Code you ensure search engines can consolidate indexing signals correctly. Persistent 302 redirects that are not temporary can cause confusion for crawlers and delay proper URL replacement in search results.