How To Set Up Subdomain Redirects in Namecheap

Redirecting your Namecheap domains (and subdomains) may seem complicated, but in this blog post, I'll walk you through the entire process, from understanding the different types of redirects to implementing them correctly on Namecheap.

Check out this video walking you through everything:

By the way, I use Namecheap for all my domain registrations. They have low prices and great support. I've used them exclusively for over a decade.

Click here to check out domains on Namecheap.

Understanding Namecheap Domain Redirects

Before we dive into the steps, let's explore the various types of redirects you might want to use (and why):

Permanent Redirect (301 Unmasked)

A permanent redirect, also known as a 301 redirect, is unmasked. When visitors access your original domain, the browser's address bar will display the new domain. This type of redirect is indexed, meaning it informs search engines that the original domain should always point to the new address. It's a great choice if you're making a permanent switch.

Temporary Redirect (302)

A 302 redirect works similarly to the 301 in that it redirects from an old domain to a new one, and the new domain is shown in the browser's address bar. However, unlike a 301, the original domain remains indexed, making it ideal for temporary changes.

Masked Redirect

A masked redirect shows visitors another domain while displaying the original domain in the address bar. Beware: this option isn't SEO-friendly, so use it with caution.

Setting Up a Redirect on Namecheap

Now, let's dive into the specifics of setting up these redirects on Namecheap.

Step 1: Configure Your Name Servers

First, ensure that your name servers are set to Namecheap BasicDNS. This can be done by going into your domain's settings and selecting Namecheap BasicDNS from the dropdown menu. This is crucial for the redirects to work properly.

Step 2: Access the Advanced DNS Settings

Navigate to the Advanced DNS tab within your domain's settings on Namecheap. From here, you can begin to configure your redirects. If you have any parked domains or unnecessary records, it's wise to delete them to avoid conflicts.

Step 3: Add a Redirect Record

To implement a redirect, you need to create a record. Simply go to the URL Redirect Record section and specify the domain you want to redirect. For instance, if you wish to redirect “yourdomain.com,” enter this domain into the designated field. Without any subdomains, this sets up a straightforward domain redirect.

For subdomains (like “www.”), you can add specific entries. For example, a “www.” redirect can lead to a different external site or destination if desired.

Step 4: Implementing a Wildcard Redirect

For comprehensive domain management, setting up a wildcard redirect is vital. In this context, a wildcard redirect acts as a catch-all solution. To set it up, create a new redirect record and use an asterisk (*) as the host. Enter your desired destination under the ‘Value' field. With this setup, any subdomain not individually specified (e.g., anything except the root or “www”) will redirect to your specified destination.

Important Considerations

Remember, changes to DNS settings and redirects can take time to propagate, so don't be alarmed if they don't work immediately.

Working with Cloudflare

If you want to set up a domain redirect, but your domain is using Cloudflare, follow this video:

Everything You Need To Know About Domain Redirects on Namecheap

There you have it, a comprehensive guide to setting up domain redirects on Namecheap. By following these steps, you can ensure that your domain redirects operate smoothly and efficiently. Get your next domain on Namecheap.

I hope this guide has demystified the art of domain redirects on Namecheap. Remember, it's important to understand what your goal is for the redirect and the different types of domain redirects.