FAQ

Everything you need to know

Clear answers about preview links, workflows, and limits.

Basics

What is Hosts.Click?

Hosts.Click is a free tool that allows developers and website administrators to test their websites before updating DNS records. It provides a temporary URL that redirects traffic to a specified IP address and domain, enabling instant testing without modifying local hosts files or waiting for DNS propagation.

Process

How does it work?

1. Enter the IP address and domain name of your website into the form.
2. The system generates a unique temporary subdomain (e.g., abc123.hosts.click).
3. This subdomain redirects traffic to your provided IP address and domain, allowing you to view and test the site immediately.

Benefits

Why should I use it?

- No DNS Wait Times: Test changes instantly without waiting for DNS propagation.
- No Local Hosts Editing: Avoid manually modifying the hosts file on your device.
- Universal Compatibility: Works on any browser or device.
- Free and Simple: The service is completely free and easy to use.

Limits

How long does it last?

The subdomain is valid for a limited time to allow testing. If you need extended access, you can generate a new subdomain at any time. Or upgrade to hosts.click PRO.

Pricing

Is Hosts.Click free to use?

Yes, Hosts.Click is completely free to use for everyone. We also offer Hosts.Click PRO with longer link durations, custom subdomains, and other advanced features.

Support

Who can I contact for support?

For support or inquiries, please contact us. We respond quickly during business hours and can help with setup guidance, troubleshooting, or account questions. Include your preview link and target domain if you have one.

Case scenarios

Real-world examples of how teams use preview links.

Create a preview URL

Migrating to a new hosting provider

You are moving your website to a new hosting provider with IP address 192.0.2.1. Before updating the DNS, you want to ensure the new server is set up correctly.

Enter 192.0.2.1 as the IP address on Hosts.Click.
Enter your domain name (e.g., https://example.com) as the hostname.
Click "Create a Preview URL."
Use the generated subdomain to check the website on the new server.

Benefit: You can confirm the server's configuration and content without downtime or changes to your live DNS.

Testing a staging environment

You are a developer preparing to launch a new version of a website hosted on IP address 203.0.113.50. You want to preview the website using the domain https://example.com before DNS updates.

Enter 203.0.113.50 as the IP address on Hosts.Click.
Enter https://example.com as the hostname.
Click "Create a Preview URL."
Access the temporary subdomain (e.g., abcdefg.hosts.click) to preview the site.

Benefit: This allows you to test the new website's functionality and design without impacting the live site or waiting for DNS changes.

Need help?

For support or inquiries, please reach out.

Contact support