Redirect URLs in XML sitemaps

A redirect in a sitemap is not automatically a disaster, but it is usually a cleanup opportunity. Sitemaps work best when they point directly to the preferred final URLs.

What should replace a redirected sitemap URL?

When an old URL redirects cleanly to a final 200 page that should be indexed, the final destination is generally the better sitemap entry. Keep the redirect itself in place if users or old links still need it.

When should you review instead?

Review redirect loops, long chains, redirects to non-indexable pages, unexpected cross-domain destinations and temporary redirects whose intent is unclear.