When you need to redirect multiple WordPress posts or pages, most solutions force you to choose between complex plugins or writing separate code for posts versus pages. Here’s a simple, universal method that handles everything with just a few lines of code.
Why This Method is Superior
Traditional redirect approaches have limitations:
- Plugin dependency: Most redirect plugins add bloat and potential security vulnerabilities
- Type-specific code: Using
is_single()is_page()only for pages - Maintenance nightmare: Adding new redirects requires duplicating similar code blocks
This universal method solves all these problems with a clean, maintainable solution.
The Universal Redirect Code
Add this code to your theme’s functions.php file or use a code snippets plugin like WPCode:
function multiple_post_redirects() {
// Array of redirects: source_ID => destination_ID
$redirects = array(
6687 => 43914, // post or page
3455 => 43918, // post or page
1786 => 44393, // post or page
1916 => 20601, // post or page
31 => 5856, // post or page
);
// Check if we're on a singular page (post, page, or custom post type)
if (is_singular()) {
$current_id = get_the_ID();
if (isset($redirects[$current_id])) {
$redirect_url = get_permalink($redirects[$current_id]);
if ($redirect_url) {
wp_redirect($redirect_url, 301);
exit;
}
}
}
}
add_action('template_redirect', 'multiple_post_redirects');
How It Works
1. Universal Detection: is_singular() catches posts, pages, and custom post types – no need to worry about content types.
2. Array-Based Management: All redirects are stored in a simple array. Just add source_ID => destination_ID pairs.
3. Safe Execution: The code only runs on the frontend using the template_redirect hook, ensuring redirects happen before any content loads.
4. Error Prevention: Built-in checks ensure the destination URL exists before attempting the redirect.
Key Benefits
Simplicity: Add new redirects by simply adding one line to the array.
Performance: No database queries for each redirect check – everything is stored in memory.
Flexibility: Works with posts, pages, custom post types, and any combination.
SEO-Friendly: Proper 301 redirects preserve link equity and search rankings.
Plugin-Free: No external dependencies or potential conflicts.
Adding More Redirects
To add a new redirect, simply add a line to the $redirects array:
$redirects = array(
6687 => 43914,
3455 => 43918,
// Add your new redirect here:
1234 => 5678, // redirects post/page 1234 to post/page 5678
);
When to Use This Method
This approach is perfect when you:
- Need to redirect multiple posts or pages
- Want to avoid plugin bloat
- Have mixed content types (posts and pages)
- Need a maintainable, long-term solution
- Want full control over your redirects
Implementation Tips
- Test first: Always test redirects in a staging environment
- Use 301 redirects: They’re permanent and pass SEO value
- Clear cache: Remember to clear any caching after implementing
- Monitor: Check that both source and destination URLs are correct
This universal method eliminates the guesswork from WordPress redirects. Whether you’re dealing with posts, pages, or custom post types, one simple array manages everything efficiently and effectively.
