How to redirect a domain

Redirecting a domain typically involves configuring it’s DNS records to forward traffic to a different location. But changing the DNS records alone isn’t enough to direct traffic to a different URL. A web server will be needed to reply with instructions telling visitors to try again at a different location.

If the old domain used HTTPS, the web server issuing the redirect instructions will also need to serve an SSL certificate for the old domain, otherwise visitors will see an SSL certificate warning.

The exact steps for setting up domain forwarding can vary depending on your domain registrar or your desire to maintain a web server and SSL certificates.

Here is a general guide of 3 ways to set up domain forwarding:

Method 1: Using a Domain Forwarding service

Domain forwarding services like Redirect.ing offer fast and secure domain forwarding with HTTPS redirecting. They manage the web servers and SSL certificates so your don’t have to.

Redirect.ing’s global network of over 100 PoP locations means redirects happen close to the user reducing response times from the multiple network trips required for an SSL handshake to complete.

  1. Create an account with Redirect.ing

  2. Add a Redirect:

    • Locate and click the “Add Redirect” button.
    • Enter your old domain into the form.
    • Enter the destination URL where traffic will be redirected.
    • Save the redirect.

  3. Read the DNS instructions for the newly created redirect:

    • There will be a choice of instructions for an CNAME record or A & AAA records.

  4. Log in to your Domain Registrar’s website:

    • Go to the website of the company where you registered your old domain (e.g. GoDaddy, Namecheap, Bluehost, 123-reg).

  5. Access the domain’s DNS settings:

    • Find and access the DNS section for your old domain.

  6. Add DNS records:

    • Delete existing DNS records that will conflict with the records you’re about to create.
    • Add DNS records to your old domain by following the instructions from Step 3.

  7. Confirm it’s working:

    • Wait for the DNS records to propagate.
    • Visit the old domain and you should be redirected to the new URL.

Method 2: Using your Domain Registrar

Your Domain Registrar may provide a domain forwarding service, but be warned. Not all domain registrars offer SSL certificates on redirected domain. Confirm your Domain Registrar provides HTTPS redirects before proceeding.

  1. Log in to your Domain Registrar’s website:

    • Go to the website of the company where you registered your old domain (e.g. GoDaddy, Namecheap, Bluehost, 123-reg).

  2. Access the domain settings:

    • Find and access the domain management section for your old domain.

  3. Locate the domain forwarding:

    • Look for an option related to domain forwarding or domain redirecting.

  4. Enable domain forwarding:

    • Set the destination URL to forward visitors from the old domain.
    • You may need to choose between a “301 Permanent Redirect” (good for SEO) or “302 Temporary Redirect”.
    • Save your changes.

  5. Confirm it’s working:

    • Visit the old domain and you should be redirected to the new URL.

Method 3: Using your own server

Pointing the old domain at a web server and configuring the web server to respond with an HTTP redirect status (301 or 302) and a new location.

  1. Log in to your Domain Registrar’s website:

    • Go to the website of the company where you registered your old domain (e.g. GoDaddy, Namecheap, Bluehost, 123-reg).

  2. Access the domain settings:

    • Find and access the domain management section for your old domain.

  3. Locate the DNS records:

    • Look for an option related to domain forwarding or domain redirecting.

  4. Set DNS records to point at your server:

    • Delete existing DNS records that will conflict with the records you’re about to create.
    • Create new DNS records to point at your server – consult your server provider to decide which type of DNS records you’ll need.
    • Save your changes.

  5. Aquire an SSL certificate:

    • Visit Lets Encrypt or an SSL certificate provider of your choice.
    • Follow the process to request an SSL certificate for your old domain.
    • Download the SSL certificate to your computer.

  6. Configure your server:

    • Consult your web server documentation (Apache docs, Nginx docs) to route traffic for the old domain.
    • Upload the SSL certificiate to your server.
    • Consult your server documentation to install the SSL certificate for your old domain.
    • Reload or restart your web server software.

  7. Confirm it’s working:

    • Wait for the DNS records to propagate.
    • Visit the old domain and you should be redirected to the new URL.

Summary

There are many ways to redirect a domain with different pros and cons.

  1. Do you want to maintain your own web server with SSL certificate & renewals?
  2. Does your domain registrar’s forwarding service offer HTTPS redirects?

If either of these are a problem, consider using a domain redirect service like Redirect.ing.