In brief: A redirect chain is a sequence in which one URL redirects to another that redirects again before reaching the final page.
How I use redirect chains in practice
I reproduce the request, record every response and identify the intended final URL. I test a small sample, correct internal links and then verify status, performance and search behaviour before expanding the fix.
What to watch for
Chains add latency and can obscure errors, loops or outdated destinations. A redirect fixes routing, not weak content or a missing reason to trust the page.
Questions for a decision
- What does each server response return?
- Can the chain be replaced by one direct redirect?
- Which links still point to old addresses?
- What is the effect on users and crawling?