Solving issues with pattern redirects

Pattern redirects use a Javascript-based redirect in the browser to redirect visitors from any broken links that match a completely custom URL structure to a single destination URL, or to different URLs based on a new structure.

After creating a pattern redirect, you can test it's working by visiting a broken link on your store which matches the Redirect from URL structure. Pattern redirects cannot redirect active pages.

If it's not working as expected, here are solutions for the most common reasons why.

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Delay between visiting 404 and being redirected

Pattern redirects use a Javascript-based redirect in the browser rather than a specific 301 redirect for each URL.

This means when you test a pattern redirect, there may be a slight delay between landing on the 404 error page and being redirected.

After your first visit to this broken link your browser will cache the redirect, preventing the delay next time.

If you need to create individual 301 redirects in bulk you can import them using a spreadsheet.

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Reactivating Redirect Pro

Pattern redirects can only work if Redirect Pro is activated in your Theme Editor.

Sometimes, if your theme is changed or updated, Redirect Pro needs to be reactivated.

Steps:

From your Shopify admin, open the Online Store sales channel.
Open Themes.
Click Customize on your current theme.
From the menu on the left, click App Embeds.
Activate Redirect Pro.
Click Save.

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Checking your usage allowance

Visits to pattern redirects use up your plan allowance. Learn more about usage allowances and changing your plan.

Redirect Pro temporarily disables pattern redirects, automatic redirects and 404 broken link tracking if you've reached your monthly visits allowance.

These features start working again at the start of a new calendar month when your usage resets to zero, or if you upgrade to a plan with a higher allowance.

Monthly Plan Allowances:

Free - 10 viisits
Starter - 50 visits
Growth - 500 visits
Enterprise - Unlimited visits

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Using the right domain

Pattern redirects and automatic redirects work on your primary domain and not on secondary domains or subdomains.

If you've recently changed your primary domain or think we might have the wrong one saved in our database, let us know by sending us your myshopify.com URL and your primary domain.