Redirect Error in Google Search Console:

If you are a blogger or website owner, you might have seen a redirect error in your Google Search Console (GSC). Understanding this error is crucial because it can affect your website’s SEO performance and user experience.

In this post, you will learn:

What a redirect error is
Types of redirect errors
Common causes
How to fix them
SEO tips to avoid redirect issues

Let’s dive in!

What is a Redirect Error in Google Search Console?

A redirect error occurs when Google tries to crawl a URL on your website but cannot reach the final page due to problems with the redirect.

Redirects are used to send users or search engines from one URL to another, like:

Redirecting an old blog post to a new one
Changing URLs after redesigning your website

When a redirect is broken or incorrect, Google shows a redirect error in Search Console.

Types of Redirect Errors

Too Many Redirects
- Happens when a URL keeps redirecting in a loop.
- Example: Page A → Page B → Page C → Page A.
Redirects to Nonexistent Page (404)
- The URL redirects to a page that does not exist.
- Example: Page A → Page B (Page B is deleted).
Blocked by robots.txt
- Google cannot follow the redirect because the target page is blocked by your robots.txt file.
Server Errors (5xx)
- Redirect points to a page that has server errors.

Common Causes of Redirect Errors

Incorrect URL in the redirect setup
Redirect loops caused by multiple redirects
Redirects pointing to deleted or moved pages
Conflicts between HTTPS and HTTP versions of the page
Misconfigured plugins or scripts (for WordPress, Blogger, etc.)

How to Fix Redirect Errors in Google Search Console

Step 1: Identify the Error

Go to Google Search Console → Coverage → Errors
Look for URLs with redirect errors

Step 2: Check the Redirect

Copy the URL and check where it redirects using tools like:
- Redirect Checker
- Browser manual testing

Step 3: Fix the Problem

Too many redirects: Remove redirect loops and ensure a URL points directly to the final destination.
Redirects to 404: Update the redirect to a live page.
Server or blocked pages: Fix server errors or adjust robots.txt rules.

Step 4: Test and Submit

After fixing, go back to GSC → Coverage → Validate Fix
Google will re-crawl the URL

Tips to Avoid Redirect Errors

Avoid multiple redirects; use single-step redirects
Always redirect to existing pages
Regularly audit your website using tools like Screaming Frog or Ahrefs
Use 301 redirects for permanent moves
Keep your sitemap updated

SEO Impact of Redirect Errors

Redirect errors can harm your SEO because:

Google cannot index the redirected page
Users may get stuck on broken links
Link equity may be lost if redirects are incorrect

Fixing redirects improves both user experience and search engine rankings.

Conclusion

A redirect error in Google Search Console indicates that Google is having trouble reaching your final page. By identifying and fixing these errors, you can improve your site’s SEO, user experience, and crawlability. Regularly monitoring your redirects ensures a healthy and optimized website.