Preview your website using hosts files

Sometimes you need to preview your website files on your hosting account prior to pointing your domain to your hosting account. You can do this by adding entries to the hosts file on your local computer. Keep in mind that we do not support modifying your system files, you are doing so at your own risk.

Start by finding the location of your host file:

OS Host File Location

Windows (10, 8, 7, XP, etc.) c:\windows\system32\drivers\etc\hosts

Macintosh OS X /private/etc/hosts

Linux /etc/hosts
Now, add an entry to your host file for your domain and hosting account using the following format:
```
[your hosting account's IP address] [your domain name]
```
For example:
```
12.0.0.1     coolexample.com     www.coolexample.com
```
Save the changes to your host file and navigate to your domain name using your preferred browser. The website files on your hosting account will load, allowing you to preview your website.

OS	Host File Location
Windows (10, 8, 7, XP, etc.)	c:\windows\system32\drivers\etc\hosts
Macintosh OS X	/private/etc/hosts
Linux	/etc/hosts

Warning: After you are done previewing your website, and point your domain name to your hosting account, 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 site.

Article ID: 1270
Created On: Tue, Nov 17, 2020 at 8:07 PM
Last Updated On: Tue, Nov 17, 2020 at 8:07 PM

Online URL: https://www.heartinternet.uk/support/article/preview-your-website-using-hosts-files.html