Quick answer: Shopify’s built-in URL redirects run only when the source path is broken and returns 404. If the old URL still loads a valid page, the redirect will not run. The source must also be an allowed path on a domain connected to Shopify.
The real symptom
A redirect is saved in Shopify, but the old address still loads the original page or ignores the redirect.
Likely causes
- The source URL still returns a valid page.
- A full source domain was entered instead of a path.
- The source begins with a restricted prefix such as /cart, /orders, or /apps.
- A fixed Shopify route such as /products or /collections/all is being redirected.
- Traffic still reaches an old server.
- Browser cache or another app redirect interferes.
Confirmed Community fix
Community threads confirm the most-missed rule: source URLs must be broken. Shopify URL redirects do not override a valid Shopify page, and they cannot intercept requests that still go to the old platform.
Exact admin path
- Go to Content → Menus.
- Click View URL redirects.
- Create URL redirect.
- Enter only the source path, like /products/old-handle.
- Enter the destination path or complete external URL.
- Save and test in a private window.
Simple checks
curl -I https://example.com/old-pathLook for the first HTTP status and location header. In DevTools, enable Preserve log and inspect the first document request.
Do not do this
Do not add JavaScript redirects to theme.liquid for ordinary migrated URLs. They are weaker for SEO and can create loops.