Can You Remove & Reverse a 301 Redirect? A Comprehensive Guide

Stuck with a 301 redirect you need to undo? The good news is, you absolutely can reverse it. Whether you’re dealing with a single page or a whole website, this comprehensive guide will walk you through the process step-by-step. We’ll cover the different scenarios you might encounter, the key actions to take, and important considerations to keep in mind. No tech jargon, just clear instructions to help you regain control of your website and get your traffic back on track. Let’s dive in and untangle those redirects!

Scenario #1: Single-Page, Full Reverse – Putting the Pieces Together

In this scenario, you find yourself in a situation where you need to reverse a single-page 301 redirect completely. Let’s break down the steps necessary to achieve this reversal successfully:

1. Remove the 301 redirect from A→B: By eliminating the existing redirect, you allow the original page, Page A, to regain its rightful place.
2. Add a 301 redirect from B→A: This new redirect ensures that any traffic originally intended for Page B now reaches Page A.
3. Re-point internal links to Page A: Update all internal links on your website to direct visitors to the reinstated Page A.
4. Submit both pages to Google Search Console (GSC): Notify Google about the changes by submitting both Page A and Page B through GSC.
5. Allow Google sufficient time to re-cache Page B: Give Google the opportunity to recrawl Page B and process the new signals, which may take some time.

Remember, patience is crucial during this process. Resisting the urge to hide Page B and allowing Google to process the changes will ensure a smooth transition.

Scenario #2: Single-Page, Keep Both – Maintaining Balance and Visibility

In some cases, you may want to reverse a redirect while keeping both pages accessible. Let’s explore two sub-scenarios based on your preferences regarding search engine visibility.

Scenario #2A: Page B Available to Search – Equilibrium in Coexistence

If you want both pages to have equal status and remain visible to search engines, follow these steps:

1. Remove the 301 redirect from A→B: Revoke the redirect and allow both Page A and Page B to exist independently.
2. Add self-referencing rel-canonical tags (A→A, B→B): Establish the individuality of each page by adding self-referencing canonical tags.
3. Submit both pages to Google Search Console (GSC): Notify Google of the presence and significance of both Page A and Page B.

While self-referencing rel-canonical tags may have limited impact, they serve as a subtle indication to Google that both pages hold value. To expedite the process, consider building new internal and external links to reinforce the visibility and authority of both pages.

Scenario #2B: Page B Hidden from Search – Consolidating Authority

If Page B is not essential for search engine visibility but still needs to be accessible to users, follow these steps:

1. Remove the 301 redirect from A→B: Undo the redirect and allow Page B to be independent.
2. Add a rel-canonical tag from B→A: Consolidate the ranking signals onto Page A while keeping Page B visible to users.
3. Re-point internal links to Page A: Update internal links to direct users to Page A.
4. Submit both pages to Google Search Console (GSC): Inform Google about the changes made to both Page A and Page B.

Note that the rel-canonical tag is a strong suggestion, but it doesn’t guarantee that Page B won’t appear in search results. If Page B has little search value and you want to concentrate authority on Page A, this approach is the most suitable.

Scenario #3: Site-Wide URL Reverse – Navigating Complex Changes

A site-wide URL change, such as migrating from HTTP to HTTPS or modifying the sub-folder structure, requires careful handling when considering a reversal. Let’s delve into the key steps involved:

1. Remove all 301 redirects from A→B: Revoke the existing redirects.
2. Add site-wide 301 redirects from B→A: Implement new redirects to restore the original URLs.
3. Introduce self-referencing canonical tags to all pages: Establish individuality and consolidate signals by adding self-referencing canonical tags across all pages.
4. Re-point internal links to “A-type” URLs: Update internal links to ensure they point to the original URLs.
5. Rebuild XML sitemaps for A-type URLs: Generate new XML sitemaps to reflect the changes made to the URLs.
6. Submit critical pages to Google Search Console (GSC): Notify Google about the revised pages that require indexing.
7. Re-point select inbound links to “A-type” URLs: Reach out to external sources and request them to redirect their inbound links to the original URLs.

To expedite the process, prioritize submitting high-authority and higher-level pages in your XML sitemaps. Additionally, building positive relationships with external sources and requesting redirection of inbound links can enhance the impact of the new signals. However, keep in mind that reversing a site-wide change carries inherent risks, and careful consideration is necessary to avoid compounding existing issues.

Scenario #4: Domain Change Reverse – Unraveling the Consequences

In the event of a complete domain migration and realized that the domain sounds like cancel culture is going to come and get you, reversing the domain change becomes necessary.

here’s an example. teacherstalking.com = teacher stalking

Here are the critical steps to follow:

1. Remove all 301 redirects from A→B: Undo the previous redirects.
2. Add site-wide 301 redirects from B→A: Implement new redirects to restore the original domain structure.
3. Introduce self-referencing canonical tags to all pages: Establish the individuality of each page and consolidate signals by adding self-referencing canonical tags across the entire domain.
4. Re-point internal links to Domain A: Update internal links to reflect the original domain structure.
5. Re-add Domain A to Google Search Console (GSC): Include Domain A in Google Search Console to facilitate the indexing process.
6. Rebuild XML sitemaps for Domain A: Generate new XML sitemaps for the original domain structure.
7. Submit critical pages to Google Search Console (GSC): Notify Google about the revised critical pages that require indexing.
8. Re-point select inbound links to Domain A: Reach out to external sources and kindly request them to redirect their inbound links to the original domain.

In situations where you no longer have access to Domain B, reversing the redirect becomes a more complex process. External signals, such as inbound links, become crucial in these cases.

Expert Insights and Best Practices

Throughout the process of removing and reversing a 301 redirect, it’s important to keep a few key points in mind. Mixing signals, especially when reversing a redirect, can introduce inconsistency compared to previous signals. To mitigate this risk, ensure that all new signals remain consistent before proceeding with the switch.

Avoid making rash decisions or succumbing to panic when faced with immediate fluctuations in rankings or traffic. Reversing a major redirect, particularly site-wide or domain-wide, can amplify existing issues if not carefully evaluated. It is crucial to take the time to thoroughly analyze the situation and ensure that you are addressing the correct problem.

By following these expert insights and best practices, you can successfully navigate the complexities of removing and reversing a 301 redirect while safeguarding your website’s performance and search engine visibility.

**Important:** Reversing major redirects can be risky. Thoroughly analyze your situation and proceed cautiously. If unsure, consult an SEO expert.