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Redirect Checker
Check your redirects fast. See where your links go, fix errors, and keep your site running smooth.
What’s a Redirect Checker and Why Should You Care?
If you’ve ever clicked a link and ended up somewhere completely different than expected—maybe a 404 page, a spammy site, or just a slightly different version of the page you wanted—you’ve run into a redirect. And if you’re managing a website, sending out emails, or running ads, redirects can quietly mess things up without you even noticing.
A redirect checker is basically a tool that follows a URL and shows you exactly where it ends up. It tells you what kind of redirect it is (301, 302, etc.), how many hops it takes, and whether anything looks suspicious along the way. Think of it like a detective for your links.
I’ve used these tools for years—mostly when debugging broken links, auditing old campaigns, or just making sure my SEO isn’t getting sabotaged by sneaky redirect chains. They’re simple, but they save a ton of headaches.
Key Features of a Good Redirect Checker
- Shows the full redirect path – No more guessing. You see every stop the link makes before landing.
- Identifies redirect types – 301 (permanent), 302 (temporary), meta refresh, JavaScript—knowing the difference matters for SEO and performance.
- Checks for loops and chains – Nothing worse than a redirect that circles back on itself or takes five hops to get nowhere.
- Highlights security risks – Some tools flag suspicious domains or known phishing sites in the chain.
- Works with bulk URLs – If you’re checking hundreds of links (like in an email campaign), you don’t want to do them one by one.
- Fast and lightweight – Doesn’t need a login, fancy dashboard, or 10-second load times. Just paste and go.
FAQ
Q: Do I really need a redirect checker if my site seems fine?
A: Maybe not. But “seems fine” isn’t the same as “is fine.” I’ve seen sites lose rankings because of a single 302 redirect that should’ve been a 301. Or email links breaking after a domain change. These tools catch the stuff you don’t notice until it’s too late.
Q: Can’t I just click the link and see where it goes?
A: You could. But that only shows you the final destination. It won’t tell you if there’s a redirect chain, what status codes are being used, or if a middle step is hosted on a shady server. Plus, if you’re checking 50 links, clicking each one manually gets old fast.