HTTP 301 Moved Permanently

Status code 301 · Class 3xx

HTTP

Moved Permanently

Also searched as: HTTP 301, 301 redirect, moved permanently

HTTP request chain from browser through CDN and proxy to the origin server
HTTP errors: find which hop in the request chain failed and read its logs.

What it means

301 is not an error but a permanent redirect: the resource has a new URL and clients should use it from now on. Browsers follow it automatically. It becomes a problem only when it points to the wrong place or forms a loop.

Applies to: All browsers, nginx, Apache, IIS, Cloudflare

How to fix HTTP 301 Moved Permanently

  1. If a 301 sends you to the wrong page, clear the browser cache, because browsers cache 301 responses
  2. Inspect the redirect chain with 'curl -sIL https://example.com' to see each Location header
  3. If you own the site: use 301 for permanent moves such as http to https, non-www to www, or renamed pages
  4. If you own the site: redirect old URLs directly to the final destination to avoid chains
  5. If you own the site: use 308 instead of 301 when the request method (for example POST) must be preserved
  6. If you own the site: fix loops by making sure CDN, server and CMS agree on one canonical scheme and host

Why it happens

RFC 9110 defines 301 as a permanent change of URL. Clients may change POST to GET when following it, which is why 308 exists for method-preserving permanent redirects.

FAQ

Does a 301 redirect pass SEO value?

Yes. Search engines consolidate signals to the new URL, which is why 301 is the standard for permanent moves.

How do I undo a cached 301 in my browser?

Clear cached images and files, or test in a private window. The browser may remember the redirect until its cache is cleared.

Related errors

HTTP 302 FoundHTTP 304 Not ModifiedHTTP 300 Multiple ChoicesHTTP 501 Not ImplementedHTTP 502 Bad GatewayHTTP 503 Service UnavailableHTTP 504 Gateway TimeoutHTTP 400 Bad Request

Source: IANA HTTP Status Code Registry · fixes written and reviewed by the editors (see our editorial policy)

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