Preview Your Website Using Host Files

Adding entries to your hosts file lets you view the files you uploaded to your hosting account before changing your domain's nameservers. To do this, add your hosting account's IP address as an entry on your computer's host (your computer). Where that files is depends on your operating system (OS):

Now, add an entry for your domain/hosting account using the following format:

For example:

You can also add the www version of your domain. You can add that version to the same line, like so:

How you find your IP address depends on the type of hosting account you're using:

• cPanel
• Plesk
• Managed WordPress
• Web & Classic

After your domain propagates be sure to remove the entry from your hosts file. If you do not remove the entry and change plans or servers in the future, you will not be able to view your Website.

We do not support modifying your system files, do so at your own risk.