Meta Refresh Redirect Generator

Create an HTML page that sends visitors to a new URL when you can't set up a server redirect, for example on GitHub Pages or basic static hosting. You get the meta refresh tag, a JavaScript fallback, and a complete page.

Updated
Runs in your browser. Your data is not uploaded.

Meta refresh tag (put in <head>)
–
JavaScript redirect
–
Complete redirect page
Can you edit server config? A 301 redirect is better for SEO.

How to use the Meta Redirect Generator

  1. Enter the Target URL and the Delay in seconds (0 for an instant redirect).
  2. Change the Message for visitors if you like.
  3. Copy the tag, or download the complete page and upload it in place of the old page.

How it works

  • <meta http-equiv="refresh" content="0; url=..."> tells the browser to load the new address after the given number of seconds.
  • The page also calls location.replace(), which doesn't add the old page to the browser history, so the Back button works as expected.
  • A rel="canonical" link points search engines at the new URL, and noindex keeps the old page out of results.
  • A visible link is kept for the rare browser that blocks both methods.
  • Only http and https targets are accepted, so the page can't be turned into a script link.

Examples

<meta http-equiv="refresh" content="0; url=https://example.com/new-page">

JavaScript version: location.replace("https://example.com/new-page");

Limitations

  • A server 301 redirect is still the best choice for SEO. Use a meta redirect only when you can't change server settings.
  • Google treats an instant (0-second) meta refresh as a permanent redirect; delayed ones may be treated as temporary.
  • Automatic redirects with a delay can confuse screen reader users (WCAG 2.2.1). Keep the delay at 0 where you can.

Frequently asked questions

Is a meta refresh redirect bad for SEO?

An instant one is understood by Google as a permanent redirect. A server-side 301 is still cleaner and faster, so prefer it when you can.

When should I use a meta redirect?

On hosts where you can't edit server config, such as GitHub Pages, some site builders, or a plain file host.

Why include JavaScript as well?

location.replace() keeps the old page out of the Back button history, and it helps where meta refresh is disabled.

Is anything uploaded?

No. The page is built in your browser.

Often used together with the Meta Redirect Generator.