How to fix ‘Redirect’ error in Google Search Console

The “Redirect error” in Google Search Console typically appears when a page Google is trying to index is redirecting incorrectly. Here’s how you can diagnose and fix it:

1. Identify the Affected URLs

Go to Google Search Console → Pages.
Find Redirect Error under Why pages aren’t indexed.
Click on the error to see affected URLs.

2. Check the Redirect Type

Use one of these tools to analyze the redirect:
Redirect Checker
Browser Developer Tools (F12 → Network tab)
curl -I [URL] in the command line
Common redirect types:
301 (Permanent Redirect) – SEO-friendly, should be used for URL changes.
302 (Temporary Redirect) – Avoid using this for permanent changes.
307, 308 (Temporary/Permanent) – Rarely used, but similar to 302/301.
Meta refresh redirects – Not recommended as they can be slow.

3. Fix Common Redirect Issues

Issue

Fix

Infinite redirect loop

Check if URL redirects back to itself or creates a loop. Fix redirect rules.

Wrong redirect type

Use 301 for permanent, 302 for temporary changes.

Redirecting to a broken page

Ensure the target page loads correctly.

Too many redirects

Simplify redirection logic, avoid multiple hops.

Inconsistent HTTP/HTTPS or WWW/non-WWW redirects

Ensure a consistent URL structure across the site.

4. Check Your Website’s .htaccess (For Apache Servers)

If you’re using Apache, check your .htaccess file:
Redirect 301 /old-page https://example.com/new-page
Make sure there aren’t conflicting or duplicate redirect rules.

5. Check Redirects in WordPress (If Applicable)

Redirection Plugin: Check if a redirect is mistakenly configured.
Yoast SEO / RankMath: Ensure no incorrect redirects are set up.
.htaccess File: Incorrect rules in .htaccess can cause issues.

6. Use Google’s URL Inspection Tool

In Search Console, click URL Inspection.
Enter the affected URL and check if Google can properly index it.

7. Request Reindexing

After fixing the issue:
In Search Console, select the URL.
Click Validate Fix.
Use Request Indexing under URL Inspection. 

Popular posts from this blog

Top 10 Best Kids Books for Primary Schoolers

Doomsday Clock History and What It Means to Us

Top 10 Cat Species in the world