Have you noticed the frustrating ‘Page with redirect’ error appearing in your Google Search Console and wondered how it’s impacting your SEO performance? If so, you’re not alone—this error baffles beginners, bloggers, and even seasoned webmasters. Understanding how to fix ‘Page with redirect’ error in Google Search Console can make a world of difference, helping boost your site’s visibility in Google search, ensuring smoother navigation for your users, and giving you peace of mind.
This guide walks you through everything—what the ‘Page with redirect’ error means, why google search console flags it, real-world examples, and exactly how to resolve it step-by-step. No jargon—just actionable fixes, common pitfalls, and answers to the top FAQs. Ready to turn those redirects into search engine wins? Let’s dive in.
What is the ‘Page with redirect’ Error in Google Search Console?
The ‘Page with redirect’ error in Google Search Console is a status message Google displays when a submitted page redirects to another location instead of serving content directly. Basically, when you ask Google to crawl or index a URL—but that URL forwards users (and search bots) to a different page—you’ll see this warning in your Search Console reports.
These redirects could be 301 (permanent), 302 (temporary), or even JavaScript-based. Most often, this occurs during website migrations, URL changes, or when canonical links are incorrectly set.
Google Search tracks these redirects to assess if they’re hurting your site’s experience or misleading users. If you’re submitting a lot of redirected URLs, it can dilute your SEO signals, lead to crawl inefficiencies, and ultimately harm site performance.
Below is an example of the error in Google Search Console:
Key Causes of This Google Search Console Error:
• Website migrations (HTTP to HTTPS, domain changes)
• Changing page slugs without updating internal links
• Incorrect server settings or .htaccess rules
• Outdated sitemaps or sitemap links pointing to old URLs
• Misconfigured canonical tags
• Unintended plugin (e.g. redirect manager) or CMS behavior
• Mobile/desktop alternate URLs mismanagement
Why Does It Matter? (Benefits of Fixing the Error)
The ‘Page with redirect’ error might seem harmless, but not fixing it can have serious implications for your website’s SEO health, crawlability, and user satisfaction. Here’s why:
- Improves crawl efficiency: Search bots waste their crawl budget on unnecessary redirects.
- Boosts SEO ranking: Clean URLs allow Google to index the right pages, improving your search rankings.
- Prevents dilution of link equity: Frequent redirects can split or lose your link juice.
- Enhances user experience: Direct access to relevant pages means faster loading and satisfied visitors.
- Reduces errors in Search Console: Fewer warnings equals less stress and better insights.
- Aids in accurate analytics: Page-level tracking becomes more reliable when users land directly where you intend.
Notice how fixing these errors lifts overall site quality and aligns you with Google’s Quality Guidelines.
Real-World Use Cases & Examples
To see how redirect errors disrupt real sites, let’s examine practical scenarios:
1. Website Migration (HTTP to HTTPS)
A shop moves from HTTP to HTTPS without updating internal links or sitemaps. Google Search Console flags dozens of ‘Page with redirect’ warnings because the HTTP pages simply forward to HTTPS, but were still being submitted for crawling.
2. Outdated Content URLs
A blogger changes their post slug from /my-old-title to /my-new-title but forgets to update the sitemap or internal links. Both users and Google bots are caught in a redirect loop.
3. Canonical Conflicts
A product page sets its canonical URL to /product instead of /product/ (with a trailing slash). CMS settings auto-redirect the non-trailing slash version, causing Google confusion and Search Console warnings.
4. Broken Plugins
A WordPress plugin creates unintended 301 redirects on archives. Google indexes the original URLs, but redirects fool the crawler and lead to errors in the console.
This is a typical console error snapshot you might see:
How to Fix ‘Page with redirect’ Error in Google Search Console (Step-by-Step)
Ready to resolve those pesky redirect errors? Here’s a detailed, proven process. Be sure to tackle all possible causes for the best results.
Step 1: Identify Affected URLs
Open Google Search Console, go to “Coverage” or “Page Indexing.” Click on the ‘Page with redirect’ row to reveal a list of URLs affected by the error.
Step 2: Verify the Type and Destination of Redirect
Use tools like Redirect Checker, HTTPStatus.io, or browser extensions to confirm the redirect type (301, 302, JS, meta refresh) and the final destination.
Step 3: Update Your Sitemap
Remove redirected URLs from your sitemap.xml. Only include canonical, final destination URLs for optimal Google crawling. Make sure your CMS or SEO plugin isn’t auto-inserting old links.
Step 4: Fix Internal Links
Scan your website for any links pointing to the outdated (redirected) URLs. Update these to point to the final, correct destinations. Tools like Ahrefs, Screaming Frog, or RankMath’s Link Analyzer make this step faster.
Step 5: Audit Redirect Rules & Plugins
Examine your .htaccess (Apache) or NGINX configs for incorrect or accidental redirects. Deactivate or reconfigure plugins that might be creating unnecessary forwarding—especially if you use WordPress.
Step 6: Re-Submit URLs in Google Search Console
After fixing issues, go back to Search Console, select “Validate Fix” or request indexing on the cleaned URLs. Google will re-crawl and update its index—errors should disappear within days.
Step 7: Ongoing Prevention
Regularly audit your site’s redirects, keep internal links updated, and automate sitemap generation with trusted SEO plugins like RankMath or Yoast. Periodic crawl reports keep you proactive.
Common Challenges, Myths & Objections
Myth 1: “Redirects are always bad for SEO.”
Redirects, when used intentionally (like for moved content), are fine. The key is to avoid needless, excessive, or chain redirects.
Challenge 1: “My site has too many pages to check manually.”
Use bulk SEO audit tools. Screaming Frog, Sitebulb, and online redirect mappers let you scan thousands of URLs in minutes.
Objection 1: “A 301 redirect is good enough—why bother with fixing in Search Console?”
If you submit redirected URLs in your sitemaps or through GSC, Google gets mixed signals about your preferred URLs, hurting performance.
Challenge 2: “My plugin undoes my changes after updates.”
Lock your settings, review plugin changelogs regularly, and consider more specialized plugins for redirects and sitemaps.
Myth 2: “Google will figure it out automatically.”
While Googlebot is smart, it values clarity and directness. The more you help it, the faster and better your rankings.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What causes the ‘Page with redirect’ error in Google Search Console?
It’s caused by submitting URLs that redirect, outdated sitemaps, internal links pointing to old addresses, or misconfigured canonical tags. Sometimes, faulty plugins or server settings are to blame.
2. Does the ‘Page with redirect’ error hurt my SEO?
Yes. It leads Google to wasted crawls, confused indexing, and poorer rankings if not corrected.
3. Should I remove redirected URLs from my sitemap?
Absolutely. Sitemaps should only have your true, canonical, non-redirected URLs.
4. How do I find all redirected URLs on my site?
Use Google Search Console, SEO audit tools like Screaming Frog, Ahrefs, or online HTTP status checkers for bulk scans.
5. Are 301 redirects always bad?
No. When genuine (such as for permanently moved content), 301 redirects are good practice. Avoid unnecessary or multiple chained redirects.
6. How fast does Google update the error after I fix it?
Usually within a few days to a couple of weeks after you validate your fix or submit for reindexing in Search Console.
7. Can plugins cause unwanted redirects in WordPress?
Yes—some SEO or redirection plugins can auto-create redirects. Always audit your plugins if you see unexplained errors.
8. What’s the difference between 301 and 302 redirects in SEO?
A 301 is permanent (preferred for SEO); a 302 is temporary and signals search engines not to update the indexed link.
9. How do I stop Google from indexing the wrong (redirected) URLs?
Make sure only the correct, destination URLs are in your sitemap and linked internally; remove old submissions from GSC.
10. Can I ignore ‘Page with redirect’ if my site works for users?
No—Googlebot and users see content differently. Fixing the error is crucial for ranking and crawl health.
Conclusion: Fixing ‘Page with redirect’ Errors—the Fast Track to Better SEO
By now, you see why learning how to fix ‘Page with redirect’ error in Google Search Console is foundational to your site’s SEO strategy. Cleaning up your redirects, updating internal links and sitemaps, and communicating clearly to Google can drive better visibility, better rankings, and happier users.
Don’t let avoidable console errors hold your website back. Make a habit of auditing for redirects, stay proactive with the tools and steps above, and always keep your sitemap and internal linking structure clean.
Ready to lock in your site’s health and performance? Bookmark this guide—then jump into your Search Console. Use today’s momentum to leave errors in the past and embrace solid, tested SEO wins!
For further learning, check resources like Google Search Central Help, Onely’s in-depth tutorials, and RankMath KB.
If you have more questions about any console or redirect error in Google Search or need help with hands-on SEO improvement, reach out via the contact form. Stay tuned for more step-by-step SEO guides!
