Web forwarding explained
Web forwarding sends visitors from one domain address to another website
Use a permanent redirect when the move is intended to last and a temporary redirect when the original address will return. Forwarding changes the visitor’s destination. It does not copy a website, create email or replace every old page redirect needed for a full site migration.
When is web forwarding useful?
Brand variants
Send a second spelling or extension to the main domain so customers reach one consistent website.
A simple domain move
Redirect an old domain to a new home, provided a domain-level destination is enough for the visitor journey.
Short campaign address
Use a memorable domain that forwards to a longer page, while keeping the final destination visible in the browser.
Temporary maintenance route
Send visitors elsewhere for a limited period, then remove the temporary redirect when the original destination returns.
Should I use a permanent or temporary redirect?
| Type | Choose it when | Review |
|---|---|---|
| 301 permanent | The old address has moved for the foreseeable future | Keep it in place and update important links to the final address |
| 302 temporary | The original address is expected to return | Set a date to remove or reconsider it |
A redirect can help search engines understand a move, but it does not guarantee that every signal or ranking will transfer. A full site migration should map each valuable old page to its closest new equivalent.
How do I set up UKC web forwarding?
- 1Open the domain
Sign in to the UKC Client Area, open My Domains and select the domain you want to forward.
- 2Choose Web Forwarding
Open the current Domain Tools and enter the complete destination, including https:// where applicable.
- 3Select the redirect type
Use permanent only when the move is genuinely intended to last. Save the change once.
- 4Test both addresses
Check the bare domain and www version on a private browser window, including the secure HTTPS address.
Why is forwarding not working?
The domain shows a certificate warning
HTTPS reaches the old domain before the redirect can be returned. Confirm a valid certificate covers the source name.
The browser keeps an old destination
Permanent redirects can be cached. Test in a private window and allow for DNS and browser caches after changing the configuration.
Email stopped after a change
Web forwarding should not require replacing mail records. Check whether nameservers or the complete DNS zone were changed as well.
Can I hide the destination address?
Standard forwarding shows the final address. Framed or masked forwarding can cause accessibility, security and search problems and is not the recommended approach.
Forward the right address
Choose the destination and redirect type before saving
Then test HTTP, HTTPS, www and the bare domain.