# When should you use a 301 versus a 302?

> Use a permanent redirect when a URL has permanently moved.

Use a temporary redirect when the move is temporary.

The important principle is to represent the actual intent of the change accurately rather than choosing a status code merely for perceived SEO benefit.

For large migrations, redirect old URLs directly to their final equivalents and avoid unnecessary chains.

## Sources

- [Google Search Central — Site Move With URL Changes](https://developers.google.com/search/docs/crawling-indexing/site-move-with-url-changes)

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Answered by Abhinav Krishna (https://www.theseocentral.com/author/abhinav-krishna)
Source: https://www.theseocentral.com/technical-seo-faq/when-should-you-use-a-301-versus-a-302