Domain Forwarding

Domain Forwarding

Domain forwarding sends visitors who land on your domain (or a subdomain) straight to another web address. It is the simplest way to point a domain you own at a site that lives somewhere else: no server or hosting plan required.

Forwarding is available whenever your domain uses NoobHost nameservers (ns1.noobhost.com and ns2.noobhost.com). If your domain is on custom nameservers, switch it to NoobHost DNS first.

Setting Up a Forward

1. Go to Domains in your dashboard and click the domain you want to forward
2. Open the Forwarding tab
3. Click Add forward
4. Choose what to forward:

- This domain - forwards the bare domain (for example example.com)

- A subdomain - forwards a label you choose (for example shop.example.com)

1. Enter the destination URL where visitors should end up
2. Pick a forward type (see below)
3. Save

Most forwards are live within a minute. The first time you forward a new subdomain, secure HTTPS is issued automatically and is usually ready within a few minutes.

Forward Types

Permanent (301) - Tells browsers and search engines the move is permanent. Search engines transfer ranking signals to the destination, and browsers cache the redirect. Use this for a permanent move.

Temporary (302) - Tells browsers and search engines the move is temporary. Nothing is cached long-term and search ranking stays with your domain. Use this for promotions, maintenance, or anything you expect to change back.

Forward with Masking - Loads the destination inside your domain while keeping your domain in the browser's address bar. When you choose masking you can also set:

• Title - the browser tab and page title
• Description - a short summary for search engines
• Keywords - comma-separated keywords

Heads up: Many websites block being displayed inside a frame (using X-Frame-Options or a Content Security Policy). Those destinations show a blank page with masking. Use a 301 or 302 forward instead. Masking is also weaker for SEO, because search engines see a framed page rather than the real destination.

Forwarding www

When you forward the bare domain you can tick Also forward www to send www.yourdomain.com to the same destination. This is on by default.

Forwarding vs. Connecting a Server

Forwarding simply redirects visitors to a URL. If you instead want your domain to serve a website, game, or app you host with NoobHost, use the Linked Servers tab. A host can be forwarded or linked to a server, but not both at the same time.

Removing a Forward

Open the Forwarding tab, find the forward, and click the trash icon. The domain then returns to its parked page, or you can link it to a server.