A redirect automatically sends visitors and search engines from an old URL to a new URL. This is necessary when you move a page, change a domain, or want old links to point to a new destination. In Plesk, you set this up via the ‘Hosted Domains’ section, without having to write any code. Below you’ll find out how this works, which redirect type to choose, and how to check that everything is set up correctly.
What is a redirect and when do you use it?
A redirect automatically sends visitors who open a certain URL to a different URL. This prevents 404 error pages and keeps your website usable, even when the structure changes. Typical situations in which you’d set up a redirect:
- You move a page to a different location within your website
- You replace an old URL structure with a new one
- You send visitors from an old domain to a new domain
- You want to merge the www and non-www versions of your domain
Redirects also let search engines know that a page has moved, so your existing search result rankings are preserved as much as possible.
Creating a redirect in Plesk
Setting up a redirect in Plesk consists of a few simple steps. You’ll need access to your Plesk control panel for this.
Log in to Plesk
Open your Plesk control panel and log in with your credentials.
Select the correct domain
Choose the domain for which you want to set up the redirect from the overview. If you host multiple websites, make sure you’ve selected the correct one.
Go to Hosted Domains
Click ‘Hosted Domains’ in the menu and find your domain in the list.
Open the Redirects section
In your domain settings, you’ll find the ‘Redirects’ tab. Click it to open the redirect settings.
Add the redirect
Click ‘Add Redirect’, enter the source URL (old page) and destination URL (new page), and select the desired redirect type.
Save and test
Click save, then open the old URL in your browser to check whether you’re automatically redirected to the new URL.
Which redirect type should you choose?
In Plesk, you can choose from several redirect types. The difference lies in how search engines and browsers interpret the redirect:
- 301 Moved Permanently – for permanent moves. The default choice when a page or domain has been permanently relocated.
- 302 Found – for temporary redirects, for example when the old page will return later.
- 303 See Other – mainly used after processing forms, less relevant for regular URL redirects.
- 307 Temporary Redirect – similar to 302, but preserves the original HTTP method, useful for technical applications such as forms with POST requests.
For virtually all practical situations, such as moving pages or merging domains, 301 is the right choice.
Checking the redirect and common issues
After setting up a redirect, test it by opening the old URL directly in your browser. If you still encounter an error, check the following:
- Is the source URL written exactly correctly, including any trailing slash?
- Is the correct domain or subdomain selected in Plesk?
- Has your browser cache been cleared? Old redirects can sometimes linger in the cache for a while.
- Are there no conflicting redirects active for the same URL?
If you’re switching to a new hosting provider, it’s wise to set up redirects only after your domain and email have been correctly transferred. You can read more about this at switching to Tandata. Questions about your domain name or DNS settings can be found under domain names.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take before a redirect becomes active?
Usually a redirect is active immediately after you save it in Plesk. In some cases, due to caching, it may take a few minutes before the change becomes visible.
Can I set up a redirect for a subdomain?
Yes, select the subdomain in Plesk just as you would select a regular domain, and follow the same steps to set up the redirect.
What happens if I delete a redirect?
Visitors who visit the old URL will then land on an error page again. So only remove a redirect if you’re certain the old URL is no longer in use.
Can I set up multiple redirects for the same domain?
Yes, you can add as many redirects as needed, for example for multiple moved pages or multiple old domains that need to point to one new domain.
Does a redirect affect my email?
No, a domain-level redirect in Plesk has no effect on your email settings. You can find more about setting up business mailboxes at business email.
Conclusion
Creating a redirect in Plesk is arranged in a few steps via the ‘Hosted Domains’ section. Choose a 301 redirect for permanent moves, always test whether the redirect works, and check the source URL and your browser cache if issues arise. If you get stuck or need help setting it up, consult the knowledge base or contact support.