What Is a Redirect Checker?
A redirect checker is an online tool that examines how a URL responds when requested by a browser or HTTP client. It identifies HTTP response codes, redirect destinations and the sequence of redirects that lead to the final destination.
Redirects are a normal part of website management. They are used when pages move, domains change, URLs are standardized or websites migrate from HTTP to HTTPS.
HTTP Status Codes Explained
- 200 OK: The server successfully returned a response.
- 301 Moved Permanently: The resource has permanently moved to another URL.
- 302 Found: The resource is temporarily available at another URL.
- 303 See Other: The client should retrieve another resource using GET.
- 307 Temporary Redirect: A temporary redirect that preserves the request method.
- 308 Permanent Redirect: A permanent redirect that preserves the request method.
- 404 Not Found: The requested resource could not be found.
- 410 Gone: The resource is no longer available and is considered permanently removed.
- 500 Internal Server Error: The server encountered an internal problem.
What Is a Redirect Chain?
A redirect chain occurs when one URL redirects to another URL, which then redirects to another destination. For example:
http://example.com →
https://example.com →
https://www.example.com →
https://www.example.com/home
Long or unnecessary redirect chains can increase the number of network requests needed to reach a page. Whenever possible, update internal links to point directly to the final destination.
Why Check HTTP-to-HTTPS Redirects?
Websites commonly redirect visitors from HTTP to HTTPS to ensure encrypted connections. A redirect checker can help you verify whether the HTTP version reaches the intended HTTPS destination.
Why Check WWW and Non-WWW Redirects?
A website may be accessible through both www and non-www hostnames. A consistent preferred hostname helps avoid maintaining multiple versions of the same page unnecessarily. Check that the alternate version redirects to your preferred hostname.
How to Use This Redirect Checker
- Enter a complete public URL.
- Click Check Redirects.
- Review the HTTP status code for each request.
- Inspect every redirect destination.
- Check the final URL and any HTTPS or www changes.
- Investigate unexpected redirects, loops or error responses.
Important: Redirect Checker Limitations
This tool performs server-side HTTP GET requests and discards response bodies. Some websites behave differently depending on browser cookies, geographic location, authentication, request method or user-agent. Therefore, its results may differ from what a visitor sees in a particular browser.
The tool checks HTTP redirects, not JavaScript-based redirects, meta refresh redirects or redirects that require browser interaction.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is this redirect checker free?
Yes. You can check public HTTP and HTTPS URLs without creating an account.
2. What is a 301 redirect?
A 301 is a permanent redirect. It indicates that the requested resource has moved permanently to another URL.
3. What is a 302 redirect?
A 302 is a temporary redirect. It indicates that the resource is currently available at a different URL.
4. How many redirects can this tool follow?
This implementation follows a maximum of 10 redirect hops per check to limit excessive requests.
5. Can I check HTTPS and www redirects?
Yes. The results identify whether the final destination changes the original URL's protocol or www hostname.
6. Why might a URL fail to load?
The server may be unavailable, block automated requests, have DNS problems, use an invalid TLS certificate or take too long to respond.
7. Does the checker access private network addresses?
No. It is designed to reject private, loopback, reserved and internal destinations, including destinations reached through redirects.