How do I choose a temporary redirect in Squarespace?

Definition: A temporary redirect sends a request to another address while the original address remains intended for future use. As of 17 October 2026, Squarespace's URL mappings accept 302 for temporary moves and 301 for permanent moves.

Key facts

• Squarespace's URL mappings guide accepts only 301 and 302 as mapping types.
• The HTTP specification names status code 302 “Found” and defines it as a temporary change of location.
• Google's redirect documentation, updated 14 April 2026, says Googlebot follows temporary redirects; their destination can still be indexed when other signals support it.

How is a temporary mapping written?

The Squarespace guide uses a seasonal offerings page as an example. The mapping contains the source path, the -> arrow, the destination path and the redirect type:

/seasonal-offerings -> /main-store-page 302

In Developer tools, open URL mappings, enter the rule and select Save. The source page must be deleted or disabled for the redirect to work. Disabling preserves the seasonal page for editing and later restoration. The destination must be enabled.

For a permanent move, the same syntax ends with 301.

What does the HTTP response communicate?

HTTP is the protocol used to exchange web requests and responses. A status code describes the response's meaning. RFC 9110, section 15.4.3 defines 302 as indicating that the requested resource temporarily resides at another address.

The specification says the server should provide a Location response header containing the alternative address. A browser may use that address to follow the redirect automatically. Because the destination may change, future requests should continue to use the original address. This explains why a temporary redirect fits a page intended to return after updates.

How does Google interpret the choice?

A canonical URL is the address Google selects to represent a page. In its redirect guidance, Google distinguishes following a redirect from choosing its destination as canonical.

Googlebot follows both permanent and temporary redirects. A permanent redirect supplies a signal that the destination should become canonical. A temporary redirect supplies no such signal; other canonicalization signals can still lead Google to index the destination.

Google recommends a permanent redirect when a move is intended to remain in place. For a temporarily unavailable service, its example sends visitors to an explanatory page while helping retain the original address in search results. The decision concerns the duration of the move and the intended search result address.

Related terms

• HTTP redirects
• HTTP status codes
• How do I add a URL mapping in Squarespace?

FAQ

Can I enter another temporary status code?

Squarespace's mapping validation accepts only 301 or 302. For a temporary mapping, use 302.

How do I restore the original page?

In the same guide's seasonal page example, enable the original page, then delete its temporary mapping from URL mappings.

Sources

1. Squarespace, "URL mappings", 8 September 2026
2. IETF, "RFC 9110: HTTP Semantics", June 2022
3. Google Search Central, "Redirects and Google Search", 14 April 2026

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