Redirect to another page in PHP (2025)

How to perform a redirection

To redirect to another page using PHP, run the following code:

// Ensure nothing is echoed before setting the header.
header('Location: http://example.com');

exit;

Understanding the code

First, ensure no output has been sent before setting headers. Even a simple space or an unintended echo can break your redirection.
Then, use the header() function to instruct the visitor’s browser to redirect to the specified URL.
Finally, use exit to terminate execution immediately. Technically optional, but practically mandatory to prevent unintended code execution afterward.

Essentially, PHP sends an HTTP response that tells your visitor’s browser to redirect to the provided URL.

Anatomy of an HTTP response

Here’s a basic HTTP response example:

HTTP/1.1 302 Found
Content-Type: text/html
Location: http://example.com

<html>
    <p>This is a redirection.</p>
</html>

Let’s break it down:

The status line containing:
- HTTP version used.
- Status code (302 here).
- A reason phrase (“Found”).
Headers, including Location, which points the browser where to redirect.
Optional body, often omitted for redirects.

Remember, echoing or outputting any text before headers causes the infamous PHP error: "headers already sent". This happens because PHP must send headers before any other content. Always double-check for unintended outputs.

Which URL format to use?

Always prefer absolute URLs (e.g., http://example.com). Relative URLs (/path) usually work but might fail with some clients or proxies, causing unexpected behavior.

Choosing the correct HTTP status code

By default, PHP uses 302 Found:

header('Location: http://example.com');

To set a permanent redirect (301 Moved Permanently), specify it explicitly:

header('Location: http://example.com', response_code: 301);

Status codes quick reference:

Code	When to Use	Behavior
301	Permanent move (SEO friendly)	Aggressively cached; method changes to GET
302	Temporary redirect (default)	Rarely cached; method changes to GET
303	After form submission (PRG pattern)	Method explicitly changes to GET
307	Temporary redirect, method preserved	Rarely cached; method retained
308	Permanent redirect, method preserved	Aggressively cached; method retained

SEO and caching warnings

Be cautious: 301 and 308 redirects are cached by browsers and CDNs. Reverting these redirects later can be tricky. For temporary changes or A/B tests, prefer 302, 303, or 307 to avoid caching headaches.

Security tip: Avoid open redirects

Never redirect to URLs directly from user input without validation. You might inadvertently enable phishing. Here’s a safe way:

$next = $_GET['next'] ?? '/';

if (!preg_match('#^/[\w/-]*$#', $next)) {
    $next = '/';
}

header("Location: $next", true, 303);

exit;

Clearer redirection code (optional)

PHP also offers a clearer, more readable way to set headers and HTTP codes:

http_response_code(301);

header('Location: http://example.com');

exit;

Verifying your redirects

You can test your redirection easily with the command line using curl:

curl -I http://your-site.com/old-page

You’ll see something like:

HTTP/1.1 301 Moved Permanently
Location: http://your-site.com/new-page

Alternatively, use your browser’s developer tools network tab to see redirection details clearly.

With these tips, your PHP redirects are now robust, secure, and reliable.

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Redirect to another page in PHP