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How to Point and Redirect a Domain

This tutorial covers both cases: how to point a domain bought elsewhere to your Redfox Cloud server, and how to make a domain open a different website.

What you need before you start

  • An active web hosting service on Redfox Cloud.
  • Access to the domain settings at the provider you bought the domain from.
  • Access to DirectAdmin if you’re redirecting to another website.

Pointing the domain

  1. Choose what you need

    “Pointing a domain” can mean two different things. Choose your case:

    • The domain should open your website on our server – do step 2.
    • The domain should send visitors to another website – do step 3.

  2. Point the domain to Redfox Cloud

    There are two ways to do this. We recommend the first one:

    In your domain provider’s control panel, find the nameserver settings. Providers name it differently: DNS editor, Manage DNS Settings, Change Nameservers, DNS Details and so on.

    Nameserver settings at the domain provider.

    Delete the current nameservers and enter ours:

    ns1.rfox.cloud ns2.rfox.cloud
    Entering the Redfox Cloud nameservers.

    Save the changes. From now on, you can manage the domain’s DNS records in DirectAdmin.

    Don’t mix providers

    You need at least two nameservers and they must all belong to the same provider. Mixing nameservers from different providers makes the website load intermittently.

  3. Redirect the domain to another website

    Log in to DirectAdmin and, under Advanced Features, select Site Redirection.

    The Site Redirection section.

    In the window that opens, click Create New Redirect.

    The list of redirects and the create button.

    Fill in the fields:

    • Redirect Path – which part of the address you’re redirecting. Leaving / redirects the whole domain. Entering /discord redirects only that page.
    • Destination URL – the full address including https:// that visitors are sent to.
    • Redirect Type – 301 if the change is permanent, or 302 if it’s temporary.
    Filling in the redirect details.

    Click Create.

  4. Wait for the changes to take effect

    A redirect created in DirectAdmin starts working within a few minutes. After changing nameservers or A records, it can take up to 48 hours, though a few hours is usually enough.

Did it work?

Check where your domain leads by opening it in a private browser window.

You can track the nameserver change worldwide with whatsmydns.net.

FAQ

How long do the changes take?

Up to 48 hours, but usually a few hours are enough. During that time, some visitors may still see the old site and others the new one.

Can I mix nameservers from different providers?

No. All nameservers must belong to the same provider, otherwise the website and email will work intermittently.

When should I use 301 and when 302?

301 means a permanent move, use it when changing a domain for good. Search engines will transfer rankings to the new address. Use 302 for temporary redirects, e.g. a campaign page.

I created the redirect but still see the old website

Usually the browser or computer DNS cache is to blame. Check in a private window or from your phone on mobile data.

Does the redirect work over HTTPS?

Yes, but the domain needs its own SSL certificate, otherwise the browser shows a warning. More: How to install a free SSL certificate.

What’s next

If you run into trouble, contact us via live chat or email.

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