Instead of replacing the old page with a new one that is found at a new location, search engines decide whether or not to retain the old page around. Search engines become confused when a wrong type of redirect has been previously put up, and the outcome is almost always traffic loss. It’s important to note that a 302 redirect only signifies that the change is momentary. Search engines decide whether to preserve the old page or replace it with the new page located at the new location. To inform search engines that a website or page has been temporarily relocated, a 302 redirect is used. If you’re rebuilding or updating your website, you might use this form of redirect to send users to a temporary new site or page.
.A 302 should only be used if you intend to restore the previous page at some point in the future. For testing new pages and getting feedback from customers without harming your rankings on the current page, you can utilize a 302 redirect. A 302 redirect is not harmful to your SEO efforts if handled correctly. Because Google understands that this is a temporary redirect, no value (link equity) will be transmitted to the new URL when you utilize this form of redirect. The page’s rankings, worth and authority will be retained as a result. When individuals don’t realize the difference between the two, they use a 302 to redirect a site permanently, which might lead to complications.
Instead of establishing a new website or page, they’re simply copying the content from an old one. Therefore understanding the differences between a 301 and 302 is critical, as well as knowing when to use either. Google understands that many users mistakenly use the number 302 for the number 301. Since Google isn’t bound by any laws, it can interpret people in anyway it wants. Search engines should look at 302s in order to find out if the webmaster actually means 301 or if it’s just a common misunderstanding and they really mean 302.
It’s unclear if Google properly handles 302 errors. However, search engines can ignore the new URL as being duplicated and continue to index the old one instead of 302 being used. In the event that link popularity is split between the two urls, search rankings may be harmed. It’s possible that search engines will figure out how to deal with the 302, but it’s also possible that they won’t.