Should you really redirect your old AMP URLs to the new ones?

What should you do concretely during an AMP URL migration? <\/h3>

Even if redirections are 'less critical', set them up by default <\/strong>. The technical cost of a 301 mapping is minimal compared to the risk of traffic loss, even temporarily. Use your usual redirection file and treat AMP URLs like the others.<\/p>

Next, check that your canonical tags point to the new URLs <\/strong>. This link is what allows Google to automatically detect changes in the AMP cache. Without the correct canonical, even redirections won’t suffice for a clean transition.<\/p>

How to check if the AMP transition is going smoothly? <\/h3>

Use Search Console, AMP tab <\/strong>, to monitor indexing errors. If Google detects broken or not found AMP pages, you will see alerts appear within a few days. This is your main alarm signal.<\/p>

Simultaneously, track your AMP traffic in Google Analytics <\/strong> (segment on pages \/amp\/ <\/code> or URL parameter according to your structure). A sharp decline that does not resolve within 7-10 days signals a problem with redirections or canonical tags. At that point, manually audit the problematic URLs.<\/p>

What mistakes should you absolutely avoid? <\/h3>

Never say "AMP is secondary; we’ll deal with it later". On some news or viral content sites, AMP accounts for 40 to 60% of organic mobile traffic <\/strong>. Neglecting these URLs amounts to undermining your visibility.<\/p>

Another mistake: implementing temporary 302 redirects "for now". Always use permanent 301s <\/strong>. 302s do not pass PageRank and can create confusion in Google’s cache, thus negating the speed advantage Mueller mentions.<\/p>

• Map all old AMP URLs to new ones <\/strong> with 301 redirects, even if Google detects them quickly<\/li>
• Verify that each page contains a canonical link <\/strong> pointing to the updated AMP version<\/li>
• Monitor Search Console (AMP section) <\/strong> for 2-3 weeks post-migration to detect errors<\/li>
• Segment AMP traffic in Analytics <\/strong> to identify any volume anomalies<\/li>
• Manually test a sample of old URLs <\/strong> to confirm that the 301s are working well<\/li>
• Avoid 302 redirects or redirect chains <\/strong> that slow down detection by Google<\/li>

Let’s be clear: even if Google claims that AMP redirections are less critical, a clean migration demands the same standards as for normal pages. Implement your 301s, verify your canonicals, and monitor indexing. The AMP cache is fast, not magical. These technical optimizations can quickly become complex on high AMP volume sites or those with custom architectures. If you are managing a significant migration or if your AMP traffic is strategic, engaging a specialized SEO agency will help you avoid costly mistakes and ensure a secure transition with tailored support.<\/div>