E-commerce
October 1, 2026
Wondering how to create and manage 301 redirects on Shopify? A 301 redirect is an HTML code that permanently sends an old URL to a new page. This is essential for preserving your SEO and preventing your visitors from landing on error pages.
On Shopify, creating redirects is simple, but management can become complex when you have hundreds of old URLs. Fortunately, the platform offers a bulk import feature to save time.
So how do you create and manage 301 redirects on Shopify? On the agenda:
Why are 301 redirects crucial for your store?
How to create an individual 301 redirect on Shopify?
How to bulk import redirects using a CSV file?
How to find, modify, or delete an existing redirect?
What are the limits and best practices to know?
Let's get started.
In this guide, we will explore each step in detail, from the basics to advanced tips, so you can manage your redirects like an expert. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced merchant, you will find practical and concrete advice here.
Summary
Why are 301 redirects crucial for your Shopify store?
A 301 redirect is an HTML code that indicates a page has been permanently moved to a new address. The code "301" corresponds to the HTTP status "Moved Permanently". This mechanism is essential for preserving your backlinks and your ranking in search engines.
When you modify the structure of your site, for example by changing themes or migrating to Shopify, old URLs can become obsolete. Without a redirect, your visitors see a 404 error, and Google loses track of your content. The result: your organic traffic drops.
By setting up 301 redirects, you guide both internet users and search bots to the right pages. It is a simple but powerful action to maintain your online visibility and offer a seamless experience to your customers.
Furthermore, 301 redirects pass most of the "SEO value" from the old page to the new one. This means that if a page had good backlinks, that authority is transferred, helping your new content rank faster. Without this redirect, you lose not only traffic but also the credibility built up over time.
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How to create an individual 301 redirect on Shopify?
To create a 301 redirect in Shopify, log in to your administration area. Click on "Online Store", then on "Navigation". In the top right, you will see the link "View URL redirects".
On the page that opens, click on the green button "Create URL redirect". You will arrive at a simple form with two fields: "From" (the old URL) and "To" (the new URL). Fill in these fields with relative paths, for example /ancien-produit and /nouveau-produit.
Then click on "Save" to validate. Repeat the operation for each necessary redirect. This method is perfect for a small number of redirects, but it quickly becomes tedious if you have hundreds of them.
To save time, you can also use the keyboard shortcut "C" to create a new redirect directly from the list. This saves you from navigating through the menus each time. Also remember to check that the source URL does not contain spaces or special characters, as this could cause errors.
How to bulk import redirects with a CSV file?
When you migrate from an older platform to Shopify, you may need to create hundreds of redirects. The individual form is not suited for this scale. Fortunately, Shopify offers a bulk import via a CSV file.
The CSV file must contain two columns: "Redirect from" and "Redirect to". Prepare your file with all your old and new URLs, then go to the URL redirects page. Click the "Import" link at the top right of the page.
A screen opens allowing you to upload your file. Once the import is complete, Shopify creates all the redirects in a few seconds. This is a considerable time saver for migration or site restructuring projects.
Before importing, make sure your CSV file is correctly formatted. Use a spreadsheet tool like Excel or Google Sheets to create it, then export it in CSV format. Check that there are no duplicates or invalid URLs, as this could cause errors during import. Shopify will show you a report after the import to indicate any potential issues.
How do I find an existing redirect?
After creating several redirects, you will need to find them to edit or delete them. Shopify provides a search tool on the main URL redirects page.
You can enter a keyword or part of the URL in the search bar. The results can be filtered by creation date, which is practical for spotting recent or old redirects. You can even save your searches to return to them later.
This feature saves you valuable time, especially if you manage a large catalog. No more endless scrolling to find a specific redirect.
Additionally, you can sort redirects alphabetically or by modification date. This allows you to quickly see redirects that have been recently updated, which is useful for tracking changes made to your site. Feel free to use these filters to organize your work.
How to modify a 301 redirect?
Editing a 301 redirect is as simple as creating one. From the redirect list, click on the URL you want to change. Shopify will then open the pre-filled individual redirect form.
You can adjust the "Redirect from" or "Redirect to" field as needed. For example, if you changed a product URL, update the destination. Click "Save" to apply the change.
This operation is useful when you are restructuring your site or correcting a typo. Remember to check your redirects regularly to ensure they always point to active pages.
It is also possible to edit multiple redirects at once using the CSV import. Export your redirects, modify the columns in your spreadsheet, then re-import the file. Shopify will update existing redirects based on the changes. This saves you a considerable amount of time if you have many changes to make.
How to delete a 301 redirect?
Sometimes a redirect is no longer necessary, for example, if you have reinstated an old page or if you made a mistake. Shopify allows you to delete a redirect in just a few clicks.
From the redirect detail page, click the "Delete" button. Shopify asks you for confirmation before deleting permanently, which prevents accidental deletions.
The deletion is immediate. Make sure to delete only obsolete redirects, as deletion can lead to 404 errors if the old URL is still in use somewhere.
To delete multiple redirects at once, you can use the multi-select feature in the list. Check the boxes of the redirects to be deleted, then click "Delete" at the top of the list. This is particularly useful during a spring cleaning of your site, where you can bulk-delete redirects that have become unnecessary.
How to export your 301 redirects?
Exporting your redirects may be necessary to keep a record, share them with a team, or analyze them. Shopify offers an export function directly from the URL redirects page.
Next to the "Import" button, you will find the "Export" link. Click on it to download a CSV file containing all your redirects. This file includes the "Redirect from" and "Redirect to" columns.
Exporting is useful during an SEO audit or a migration to another platform. This allows you to keep a backup of your redirects and reuse them if necessary.
You can also export only the redirects that match a specific search. For example, if you want to see all redirects pointing to a certain page, perform a search and then click "Export". The CSV file will only contain the results of that search, making targeted analysis easier.
What are the redirect limits on Shopify?
Shopify imposes certain restrictions on redirects. You cannot create redirects to paths like /apps, /application, /cart, /carts, /orders, /shop, or /services. These paths are reserved for specific platform features.
Additionally, fixed paths like /products, /collections, and /collections/all cannot be used as a redirect source. These restrictions protect the integrity of your store's structure.
Before creating a redirect, verify that the source URL is not in this list. Otherwise, Shopify will display an error, and you will have to choose another path.
It is also important to note that redirects do not work for admin pages or system resources. If you try to redirect a URL that starts with /admin, it will not work. Likewise, URLs with dynamic parameters may require special attention. Always test your redirects after creating them to ensure they work as expected.
What are the best practices for managing your redirects?
To get the most out of your 301 redirects, follow a few best practices. First, always use 301 redirects for permanent changes, and not 302 redirects, which are temporary.
Next, avoid redirect chains: point each old URL directly to the new final page. Chains slow down loading times and dilute SEO value.
Finally, regularly test your redirects to ensure they are working. A tool like Google Search Console can help you detect 404 errors and identify missing redirects.
Another best practice is to update your internal links. If you have internal links pointing to old URLs, replace them directly with the new URLs. This reduces dependency on redirects and improves browsing speed. Additionally, remember to update your sitemap to reflect the new URLs, which helps Google index your pages faster.
How do 301 redirects fit into your SEO strategy?
301 redirects are only one part of your SEO strategy, but they are crucial. They preserve the value of your backlinks and prevent traffic loss during a redesign or migration.
By combining redirects with the optimization of your tags, content, and loading speed, you maximize your chances of ranking well on Google. Also, remember to update your sitemap and submit the new URLs in Google Search Console.
Rigorous management of redirects shows Google that your site is well-maintained, which can improve your domain authority in the long run.
Don't forget to monitor your performance after setting up redirects. Use analytics tools to see if traffic to the old URLs has been correctly transferred to the new ones. If you notice a drop, check that the redirects are correctly configured and that there are no unnecessary loops or chains.
How can Qstomy help you manage your redirects?
Qstomy, the Shopify AI agent, assists merchants in the daily management of their store. Although Qstomy does not directly create redirects, it helps prevent 404 errors by monitoring links and guiding customers to the right pages.
Thanks to its purchase recommendations, upsell and cross-sell suggestions, and parcel tracking, Qstomy improves conversion and customer satisfaction. It can also answer frequently asked questions about products and handle returns, reducing your team's workload.
By integrating Qstomy into your Shopify store, you offer a smooth and personalized experience, while focusing on strategic tasks like managing redirects.
Qstomy can also alert you if a customer encounters a 404 error, allowing you to react quickly and create a redirect if necessary. This proactivity improves the customer experience and protects your SEO. In addition, Qstomy can analyze browsing data to identify pages that could benefit from a redirect, thereby helping you continuously optimize your site.
How to prepare and test your 301 redirects?
Before creating your redirects, make sure you have correctly identified all the old URLs. Use an audit tool to list the pages that generate 404 errors. Then, prepare a CSV file with "Redirect from" and "Redirect to" columns.
Test each redirect after importing to ensure it works. Finally, regularly monitor your SEO performance to detect any potential issues.
In brief
301 redirects are essential for preserving your search engine optimization and offering error-free navigation. Shopify makes their creation and management easy, especially with bulk import.
FAQ
Can I create a redirect to an external page? Yes, Shopify allows redirects to external URLs, but make sure this does not harm your SEO.
How many redirects can I create on Shopify? Shopify does not limit the number of redirects, but there are restrictions on certain paths.
How do I know if a redirect is working? Use a redirect test tool or check Google Search Console to see errors.
To go further: How to create a payment gateway for an e-commerce site? - Qstomy, Complete guide to managing inventory in Shopify admin - Qstomy, Which domain name to choose for an e-commerce site? - Qstomy, Which platform to choose to create an e-commerce site? - Qstomy, Can you use Wix for an e-commerce site? - Qstomy, How to create an e-commerce site with Wix? - Qstomy, How to optimize an e-commerce site for Google (step-by-step guide) - Qstomy.
By following these steps, you will be able to effectively manage your 301 redirects and maintain the health of your site. Remember that prevention is key: a regular audit of your URLs will save you many problems in the long run.
Enzo
October 1, 2026
