Does 302 redirects pass link juice ? - I've read conflicting reports

[PeteC12]

Hi Mozzers

Ive noticed that I have some 302 redirects on my website which have been there for some time . They should really 301's but I am wondering if 302s pass link juice or not as from what I've read they don't so I just wanted to check if anyone knew for sure,

thanks

pete

[PeteC12]

Hi Matt,

Many thanks for the very comprehensive answer. I didn;t realize any of this at all so thanks

Pete

[MattAntonino]

The first time it happened to me was an accident. I checked the redirects about 10 times and thought I must be doing something wrong.

[MoosaHemani]

wow Matt, this was new to me to be honest.

[MattAntonino]

Yes, if you leave them in place for a long time Google will eventually treat your 302s like 301s. Google can also misinterpret your 302s as 301s if they think you've used the wrong redirect method.

• We've seen 302s as part of the basis for penalties.
• A while ago there was an experiment where 302s eventually passed juice.
• JohnMu says it can happen here.
• A decent amount more info on SEO Theory.

I think the general consensus is basically that 302s don't work the way we think/wish they did 100% of the time so yes, it's very possible your long term 302s have been interpreted by Google as "meaning" 301 - permanent redirects.