Google Search Console keeps showing ‘Page with redirect’ for my homepage — even after fixing all redirects

Understanding and Resolving ‘Page with Redirect’ Issues in Google Search Console

In the realm of website SEO and management, ensuring that your site’s redirects are correctly implemented is crucial for both user experience and search engine indexing. A common concern that website owners encounter is recurring notifications in Google Search Console indicating that certain pages, such as the homepage, are flagged as “Page with redirect,” even after implementing what appears to be correct redirect strategies. This article explores this issue, discusses potential causes, and offers best practices for resolving it effectively.

The Scenario: Persistent ‘Page with Redirect’ Flags Despite Proper Redirects

Many website administrators notice that Google Search Console continues to report their homepage as “Page with redirect,” despite verifying that all redirect configurations are in place and functioning correctly. For example, a typical site setup might include:

• All version URLs (HTTP, WWW, HTTPS) redirect to the preferred HTTPS non-WWW version using 301 redirects.

• Tests using tools like httpstatus.io confirm that:

  • http://example.com → 301 → https://example.com
  • http://www.example.com → 301 → https://example.com
  • https://www.example.com → 301 → https://example.com

• The site’s sitemap URLs are consistent, pointing exclusively to the HTTPS non-WWW version.

• The preferred domain setting in Google Search Console is configured appropriately.

Despite these measures, Google Search Console continues to display the older, non-canonical versions under the “Page with redirect” issue, and attempts to validate fixes often result in the problem reappearing after some days.

Potential Causes and Considerations

1. Google’s Indexing and Refresh Speed:
   Google’s indexing system can take time to fully update its records. Even after implementing proper redirects, it may display outdated information temporarily. Patience and periodic re-validations are advised.

2. Redirect Chains and Loops:
   Although initial tests indicate straightforward redirects, complex redirect chains or loops—such as multiple redirects before reaching the canonical URL—can sometimes cause issues in Google’s crawlers, leading to misreporting.

3. Redirect Configuration Consistency:
   Ensure that all redirect rules are properly configured server-side (e.g., via .htaccess, server settings, or CMS plugins). Inconsistent or overlapping redirects might not be evident initially but can cause issues.

4. Canonical and Sitemap Settings:
   While setting a preferred domain and updating sitemaps correctly is good