To redirect a domain whose DNS is at Namecheap, create the redirect in RedirHub, then in Namecheap's Advanced DNS point the root domain to RedirHub with an A record, add the TXT verification record, and point www with a CNAME. RedirHub detects the change and issues the SSL certificate automatically.
Namecheap's built-in URL Redirect Records cover simple cases, but they are limited: HTTPS on the old domain may not work, and there are no path rules, analytics or bulk tools. RedirHub adds all of that while your domain and DNS stay at Namecheap.
Before you start#
- Your domain uses Namecheap BasicDNS or PremiumDNS. If it uses custom nameservers, make the changes at that DNS provider instead (how to check).
- A RedirHub account. The 14-day free trial is enough for this guide.
- About 10 minutes, plus time for DNS to update.
Step 1: Create the redirect in RedirHub#
In the RedirHub dashboard, open Redirects, click New redirect and choose Single import. Enter your domain, for example example.com, and click Next. Then set the destination URL, the Method (301 for a permanent move) and the Forwarded Options, and create the redirect.
You don't need to add www separately. A redirect for the root domain also covers www, including the same paths, as long as www points to RedirHub in DNS.
Need more detail on these options? See Setting Up URL Redirects and Redirect Methods Explained.
Step 2: Open Connect DNS in RedirHub#
Click Connect DNS in the notice that appears after you create the redirect, or open Hostnames and click Connect DNS next to the domain. Namecheap doesn't support automatic setup yet, so RedirHub opens the Manual tab. It lists each record with a copy button, plus any old record you need to delete.
| Host | Type | Value |
|---|---|---|
| @ (root domain) | A | 3.33.236.10 |
| @ (root domain) | TXT | Your verification value, e.g. rehd-verify=abc123.rediredge.com |
| www | CNAME | Your CNAME target, e.g. abc123.rediredge.com |
Step 3: Update the DNS records at Namecheap#
- Log in to Namecheap, open Domain List and click Manage next to your domain.
- Open Advanced DNS.
- Delete any URL Redirect Record and the default parking records (for example a CNAME for www pointing to parkingpage.namecheap.com), plus other A, AAAA and CNAME records for @ and www.
- Click Add New Record: A Record, host @, value 3.33.236.10.
- Add a TXT Record: host @, value from your dashboard.
- Add a CNAME Record: host www, value from your dashboard.
- Click the green check mark or Save all changes.
Only change A, AAAA and CNAME records for the root and www: your email (MX) and other TXT records keep working as before.
Use the A record plus TXT for the root domain. A CNAME on @ conflicts with other records such as MX, which can break your email.
Step 4: Wait for Connected and HTTPS#
RedirHub checks the records automatically. Changes are often picked up within minutes but can take up to 24 hours, depending on the TTL of the old records. When the domain shows Connected, the redirect is live, and the SSL certificate status changes to Secured shortly after.
Step 5: Test the redirect#
Open your domain in a private browser window and check the homepage, a deeper page and the www version, over both http:// and https://. If something doesn't work yet, see Troubleshooting new redirects or how long DNS changes take.