> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.scayla.io/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Redirect rule has delay

> Redirect rules may show a brief delay or flash of the 404 page before redirecting. This is expected behavior.

## Why the delay happens

**Redirect rules use JavaScript:**

* Run in the visitor's browser (client-side)
* Browser must load the 404 page first
* Then JavaScript executes the redirect
* This creates a short delay (typically under 1 second)

**This is different from 301 redirects:**

* 301 redirects happen server-side (before page loads)
* No visible delay or 404 flash
* Instant redirect

## The delay is normal

**What visitors see:**

1. Click link or enter URL
2. Brief flash of 404 error page
3. Automatic redirect to destination
4. Destination page loads

<Info>
  The 404 flash and delay are inherent to how redirect rules work. This is expected behavior, not a bug. [Live redirects](/redirect-pro/guides/using-live-redirects/live-redirects-overview) also have a similar delay because they use the same JavaScript-based approach, but on active pages instead of 404 pages.
</Info>

## Minimize the delay

### 1. Browser caching helps

After the first visit, browsers cache the JavaScript redirect:

* First visit: Split-second delay
* Second visit: Much faster
* Regular visitors: Minimal delay

No action needed - this happens automatically.

### 2. Convert to 301 redirects (recommended)

For URLs that get consistent traffic, Enterprise users can view and convert these to permanent 301 redirects:

**Benefits:**

* No delay (instant server-side redirect)
* No 404 flash
* Better for SEO
* Unlimited visits (doesn't count toward quota)

**How to convert (Enterprise):**

1. View [rule matches](/redirect-pro/guides/working-with-redirect-rules/view-manage-rule-matches)
2. Identify high-traffic URLs (10+ visits)
3. Select and [convert matches to 301 redirects](/redirect-pro/guides/working-with-redirect-rules/view-manage-rule-matches)

## When to use redirect rules vs 301s

**Use redirect rules for:**

* When you're not sure what all the broken links matching a pattern are
* Temporary redirects that may change
* Testing redirect patterns

**Use 301 redirects for:**

* Known permanent URL changes
* High-traffic URLs (10+ visits/month)
* SEO-important pages
* When you want instant redirects

## Related guides

* [Understanding redirect rules](/redirect-pro/guides/working-with-redirect-rules/redirect-rules-overview) - Learn how rules work
* [Create a 301 redirect](/redirect-pro/guides/managing-301-redirects/create-301-redirect) - Set up 301 redirects
* [Understanding live redirects](/redirect-pro/guides/using-live-redirects/live-redirects-overview) - Active page redirects (also JavaScript-based)
* [View and manage rule matches](/redirect-pro/guides/working-with-redirect-rules/view-manage-rule-matches) - Convert to 301s (Enterprise)
* [Test redirect rules](/redirect-pro/guides/working-with-redirect-rules/test-redirect-rules) - Understand expected behavior