HTTP 301 Moved Permanently — What It Means & How to Fix It

What Does This Error Mean?

A 301 Moved Permanently response means the page you requested has been permanently moved to a new address. The server is politely forwarding you to the new location — usually automatically. In most cases you will never even notice it happened. Your browser will be sent to the correct new URL in a fraction of a second. A 301 is not an error — it is a normal and intentional part of how the web works.

Affected Models

All web browsers
All websites
Bookmarks to old URLs
Search engine indexed links

Common Causes

The website was redesigned and pages were moved to new URLs
The website switched from HTTP to HTTPS and the old HTTP URLs now redirect
A domain name changed and all old links now point to the new domain
A page was merged into another page with a different URL
The website reorganized its content structure and updated all paths

How to Fix It

In most cases, do nothing — your browser will automatically follow the redirect to the new page.

A 301 redirect is usually invisible to the visitor. You just land on the new page.
If you have a bookmark to the old URL, update it to the new URL that your browser lands on.

Keeping an outdated bookmark means your browser has to perform an unnecessary redirect every time.
If you are redirected to a page that looks wrong or unrelated, go to the website's homepage and find the content you need from there.

Occasionally a 301 is set up incorrectly and sends visitors to the wrong page.
If the redirect seems suspicious — sending you to a completely different website — do not proceed and close the tab.

Legitimate 301 redirects stay on the same website or move from HTTP to HTTPS on the same domain.
If a link in an email or document is outdated, let the sender know the new address.

Updating links to point directly to the destination removes the redirect hop and loads pages faster.

When to Call a Professional

A 301 is not an error and requires no action from visitors. Your browser handles it automatically. If you end up on a page you did not expect, or if the redirect lands on an error page, report it to the website. Website owners should ensure 301 redirects point to working, relevant pages.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a 301 redirect an error?

No — a 301 is a normal, intentional instruction from the server. It simply tells your browser: 'The page you want lives here now.' Your browser follows it automatically and you land on the new page. You only see it listed as an 'error' in browser developer tools, where all response codes are logged.

Does a 301 affect my privacy or security?

A legitimate 301 on the same website is safe. Be cautious if a 301 sends you to a completely different website that you did not expect. Always check that the URL in your address bar matches the site you intended to visit.

Why do websites use 301 instead of just keeping the old URL?

Websites evolve over time — they get redesigned, merged, renamed, and reorganized. A 301 lets them change addresses while ensuring old links and bookmarks still work. It is a courtesy that keeps the web from breaking every time a site is updated.