Pinned to your server

Your preview link includes a unique code tied to your domain and server IP. Every request made through that link goes to that IP, even though your domain's public DNS still points somewhere else.

Links rewritten as you browse

References to your domain in pages, stylesheets and scripts are changed to the preview address, so images, styles and navigation all load from the new server.

HTTPS or HTTP

We use HTTPS when your new server supports it, even with a self-signed or not-yet-valid certificate. If the server only answers on HTTP, we use that. Your preview link itself always uses HTTPS.

Cookies handled for you

Cookies your site sets are translated to the preview address, so carts and simple sessions usually work.

Before you switch DNS

Click through your key pages and check they load.
Check images, fonts and styles appear as expected.
Check forms load and look right, without submitting them through the preview.
Open the link on a phone as well as a computer.
Look for security or mixed-content warnings in the browser.

For a walkthrough with pictures of each screen, from finding your new host's nameserver to switching DNS, follow the step-by-step guide.

Known limitations

Admin logins, single sign-on and payment gateways may not work.
Files from other domains (CDNs, maps, chat widgets) load from their usual locations.
Very large responses, over 25 MB, aren't proxied.
Previews of major platforms and private network addresses are blocked.