A domain that does one thing: send visitors away.
You own a short name, a typo, or a country extension. You do not want to build a site there. You want to redirect visitors to your main site.
While it is running
Set the source and destination
Configuration is simple. A visitor opens the first address and lands on the second.
Forwarding versus DNS
These tools solve different problems. Understand the difference before you choose.
| URL forwarding | A DNS record | |
|---|---|---|
| Function | Sends the visitor to a new web address. | Tells the visitor which server holds the site. |
| Content | It serves no content itself. | It serves the content on your server. |
| Requirements | None. You do not need hosting or a server. | You need a configured web server. |
| Browser address bar | Shows the destination address. | Shows the original domain name. |
| Best used for | Short names, typos, campaigns, country extensions. | Your main website or application. |
Choose only one method per name. If you use both, the results are unpredictable and hard to debug.
Common uses
People use forwarding for four main reasons. If your need is different, use a DNS record.
You own a long main domain and a short version for easy spelling. Forward the short one to the long one.
People misspell your name. Register the typo and forward it so you capture the traffic.
You own a regional domain. Forward it to your main site until you launch a local version.
You print a specific domain on marketing materials. Forward it to a landing page, then change the destination later.
Common questions
How many rules can I create?
One per domain. If you need multiple destinations, use DNS records and a web server.
Does the address bar change?
Yes. A forward redirects the visitor to the destination URL. If you want the original name to remain, you must host the site there.
Does this forward my email?
No. URL forwarding only handles web traffic. Manage email using MX records on the DNS screen.
Can I turn forwarding off?
Yes. You disable it from the console. The change goes to the registry, and the rule stops immediately.
Is forwarding free?
Yes. We include URL forwarding with every registration.
More in the domain console
Register and redirect
Register a secondary domain and set up forwarding from one screen.