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How to Add a Redirect in WordPress

Using Joomla instead? See How to Add a Redirect in Joomla.

When a page moves or is removed, a redirect sends visitors and search engines from the old address to a new one. WordPress doesn't include a tool for managing redirects, so most sites use a plugin or their host.

What WordPress does on its own: if you change a published post's URL slug, WordPress often redirects the old slug automatically. Don't rely on it for important pages, and it doesn't cover pages that were deleted or moved between sites.

Option 1: a redirect plugin

Many SEO plugins include a redirect manager, and there are plugins made just for redirects. Check whether you already have one before adding another.

  1. Open your redirect plugin's screen (often under Tools or your SEO plugin's menu).
  2. Add a new redirect.
  3. Source (old URL): the path after your domain, like /old-page/.
  4. Target (new URL): where it should go now.
  5. Choose 301 (permanent).
  6. Save, then test the old URL in a private browser window.

Many redirect plugins also log 404 errors so you can see which broken URLs visitors are hitting.

Option 2: your host or server

Some hosts have a redirect tool in their control panel. Redirects can also go in the server's configuration (like the .htaccess file on Apache servers). Editing server files can take the site down if there's a typo, so leave this to your web team or host.

Tips

  • Redirect to the closest matching page, not just the home page.
  • Avoid chains (A to B to C). Point the old URL straight to the final page.
  • Use 301 for permanent moves and 302 only for temporary ones.
  • If you're moving to a new domain, see WordPress Site Migration Checklist.
  • Check Google Search Console for 404 errors after a redesign or move.

Related

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