how to set up a server side 301 permanent redirect from my free subdomain to my custom domain
Hi there, Welcome to ProFreeHost Community!
To set up a permanent 301 redirect, access the File Manager and open the htdocs folder of your old free subdomain. Create or edit the .htaccess file and paste a rewrite rule that points your old URL to your new custom domain.
I already placed .htaccess in htdocs with 301 rules, but the redirect only works in browser (client-side). Server still returns HTTP 200 instead of HTTP 301.
Problem: Apache isn’t executing my .htaccess. The redirect works visually but sends wrong status.
I need true 301 for Google Search Console to transfer SEO value. Please:
- Check AllowOverride All for my subdomain
- Ensure mod_rewrite is enabled
- Or implement server-level redirect
Test: curl -I https://mydreamhome.liveblog365.com should show 301 Moved Permanently.
If your redirect is working for you, you are good to go. You cannot test redirect externally on PFH because we have security system in place which makes sure that websites are accessible via browsers only and not programmatically.
Tank you for clarifying. But if your security system that blocks programmatic access may also be blocking Googlebot. This is critical because If Googlebot can’t see the 301 redirect:
1. Google Search Console migration will fail
2. SEO value won’t transfer from old domain to new
3. All backlink equity will be lost
Please verify: Does your security system allow Googlebot to access my subdomain and see the 301 redirect?
You can’t emulate Google crawler using curl as you tried. Search engine crawlers do more than just sending simple requests. In addition they have other headers and Javascript executions. This is all aligned with our security system. Your redirect is alright:
1 Like
Thank you for the detailed explanation. I appreciate you taking the time to clarify how your security system works with crawlers.
2 Likes