How to Redirect a Domain or Website in DirectAdmin

DirectAdmin allows you to redirect visitors from one website address to another automatically.

Website redirects are commonly used for:

• forwarding old domains
• redirecting HTTP to HTTPS
• moving websites
• forwarding visitors to new pages
• temporary website changes

This guide explains how to create redirects in DirectAdmin.

What Is a Website Redirect?

A redirect automatically sends visitors from one URL to another.

Example:

http://yourdomain.co.za  redirecting to: https://yourdomain.co.za

or:

oldwebsite.co.za  redirecting to: newwebsite.co.za

Before You Start

Before creating a redirect, make sure:

• Your domain is active
• Your DNS points to your HostworX hosting account
• You can log into DirectAdmin

If you have not logged in yet, please see:

• How to Log Into DirectAdmin

Common Types of Redirects

301 Redirect

A permanent redirect.

Recommended when:

• moving websites permanently
• changing domains
• improving SEO

302 Redirect

A temporary redirect.

Recommended for:

• maintenance pages
• temporary testing
• short-term changes

How to Create a Website Redirect

Step 1 — Log Into DirectAdmin

Open your browser and visit:  https://cp.yourdomain.co.za   (Replace yourdomain.co.za with your own domain name)

Enter your hosting username and password.

Step 2 — Open Site Redirection

From the DirectAdmin dashboard:

Click:  Account Manager

Then click:  Site Redirects

Step 3 — Select the Domain and create a new direct

Choose the domain you want to redirect. (Top right)

Example:

yourdomain.co.za

Click:  Create new redirect

Step 4 — Enter the Destination Address

Enter the website address where visitors should be redirected.

Example:

https://newwebsite.co.za

Step 5 — Select Redirect Type

Choose either:

• 301 Permanent Redirect
  or
• 302 Temporary Redirect

We generally recommend:

• 301 redirects for permanent website moves

Step 6 — Save the Redirect

Click:  Create

The redirect should now become active.

Common Redirect Examples

Redirect HTTP to HTTPS

Redirect:

http://yourdomain.co.za

to:

https://yourdomain.co.za

This helps improve:

• website security
• SEO
• visitor trust

Redirect Old Domain to New Domain

Example:

oldcompany.co.za

redirecting to:

newcompany.co.za

Redirect Visitors to a Specific Page

Example:

yourdomain.co.za/oldpage

redirecting to:

yourdomain.co.za/newpage

Important Notes

Redirects May Take a Few Minutes

Changes may not work immediately due to:

• browser cache
• DNS propagation
• server caching

HTTPS Redirects Require SSL

Before redirecting visitors to HTTPS:

• ensure SSL is installed correctly
• verify HTTPS works normally

Avoid Redirect Loops

Incorrect redirect settings can create loops where pages continuously reload.

Troubleshooting

Redirect Not Working

Check:

• destination URL spelling
• DNS configuration
• SSL setup
• browser cache

Too Many Redirects Error

This usually indicates:

• redirect loops
• conflicting redirect rules
• incorrect HTTPS settings

Review existing redirect settings carefully.

Website Displays SSL Warning

Ensure:

• SSL certificate installed
• HTTPS working properly
• redirect destination correct

Redirect Works on One Browser Only

Try:

• clearing browser cache
• testing in private/incognito mode
• testing from another device

Helpful Tips

Use 301 Redirects for SEO

Permanent redirects help preserve:

• search engine rankings
• indexed links
• website authority

when moving websites or changing domains.

Keep Redirects Organized

Too many unnecessary redirects can:

• slow websites
• create confusion
• complicate troubleshooting

Security Tips

• Use HTTPS whenever possible
• Remove unused redirects
• Test redirects after changes
• Keep SSL certificates active