Set Up a Domain Redirect

A domain redirect automatically sends visitors from one domain to another. For example, if you have an old domain name, you can redirect it to your new one so visitors land on the correct site. This is different from a domain alias—a redirect visibly changes the URL in the browser, while an alias stays hidden.

Steps to Set Up a Domain Redirect

1. Log in to your cPanel account.

1. In the Domains section, click the Redirects icon (may also be labeled Addon Domains or Domain Redirect).

1. Click the Add Redirect button.

1. Choose the domain to redirect from the dropdown (the domain you want visitors to leave).

1. Enter the destination URL—where you want visitors to go (e.g., https://mynewdomain.com).

1. Optionally check Permanent if you want a 301 redirect (tells search engines this is permanent; recommended for SEO). Uncheck for temporary redirects (302).

1. Click Add or Create Redirect to complete the setup.

After Setting Up the Redirect

• Test it: Visit the old domain in your browser—you should be automatically sent to the new domain.

• Wait for propagation: If the redirect domain isn't yet fully propagated on the internet, wait up to 24 hours and test again.

• Search engine updates: If you used a permanent (301) redirect, search engines will gradually update their index to point to the new domain.

Redirect Types

| Type | Code | Use Case |
|------|------|----------|
| Permanent | 301 | Moving to a new domain permanently (better for SEO) |
| Temporary | 302 | Temporary redirect; may return to old domain later |

Tips & Notes

• With or without www: You can redirect yourdomain.com to www.yourdomain.com or vice versa by using the appropriate destination URL.

• Preserving paths: Most redirects preserve the visitor's path (e.g., /blog/post on the old domain redirects to /blog/post on the new domain).

• Removing a redirect: To delete a redirect, return to the Redirects page and click Remove next to it.

• Multiple redirects: You can create separate redirects for multiple domains all pointing to one main site.

• vs. aliases: A redirect visibly changes the URL; an alias hides the change. Redirects are better for domain migrations; aliases are better for multiple names showing the same content.

After a permanent redirect is in place, old bookmarks and search engine results will gradually point visitors to your new domain.