How to Set Up Redirects in WordPress (2026)

How to Set Up Redirects in WordPress

Redirects send visitors and search engines from one URL to another. They're essential when you change permalink structure, delete pages, or migrate content. Done wrong, redirects destroy SEO value. Done right, they preserve it.

301 vs 302 Redirects

• 301 Permanent: The original URL is gone permanently. Pass 90-99% of link equity to the new URL. Use for: changed slugs, deleted pages, domain migrations.
• 302 Temporary: The original URL will return. Passes minimal link equity. Use for: A/B tests, temporary maintenance pages.

The Redirection Plugin

The free Redirection plugin by John Godley is the standard tool for WordPress redirects. Install it from Plugins → Add New, search "Redirection," install and activate.

In the setup wizard, enable Monitor permalink changes — this automatically creates redirects when you change a post slug. This single setting prevents most redirect-related SEO losses.

Creating a Manual Redirect

1. Go to Tools → Redirection
2. In the Add New Redirection section, enter the Source URL (old URL, relative path like /old-page/)
3. Enter the Target URL (new URL, absolute or relative)
4. Select 301 - Moved Permanently
5. Click Add Redirect

Bulk Redirects via CSV

When migrating from another platform with many URL changes, Redirection supports CSV import. Create a CSV with columns: source_url, target_url, type. Import via Redirection → Import/Export.

Redirect Chains — What to Avoid

A redirect chain occurs when page A redirects to B, which redirects to C. Each hop adds latency and dilutes link equity. Regularly audit your redirects with Screaming Frog (free up to 500 URLs) and update chains to point directly to the final destination.