The .htaccess file is a configuration file that allows you to modify the behavior of your website at server level. For example, you can use it for redirects, security rules, or caching settings.
Which hosting packages does this apply to?
Our classic web hosting packages run on Apache web servers.
This means you can use a .htaccess file and add your own rules, as long as the syntax is correct for Apache.
Are you using Managed WordPress or Managed WooCommerce?
Then you cannot modify the .htaccess file yourself, as the server configuration is fully managed by us.
What can you do with a .htaccess file?
With a .htaccess file, you can for example:
- Set up URL redirects (e.g. from HTTP to HTTPS)
- Restrict access to certain files or folders
- Block or allow specific IP addresses
- Configure caching and compression
- Customize error pages
More documentation about the .htaccess file
Apache provides extensive documentation on the use of .htaccess files.
Please note that this documentation can be quite technical:
https://httpd.apache.org/docs/current/howto/htaccess.html
Always create a backup before making any changes
Changes to the .htaccess file are applied immediately. An error may cause your website to stop working properly.
Where can you find the .htaccess file?
The .htaccess file is located in the /www folder of your hosting.
Do you have subsites? Then you can find the file via the /subsites folder, inside the folder of your subsite.
You can access this file via FTP or through the file manager in your control panel.
Via FTP:
- Connect to your hosting using an FTP program (such as FileZilla)
- Navigate to the /www directory
- There you will find the .htaccess file
Can’t see the .htaccess file?
It may be hidden. Make sure you enable the “show hidden files” option in your FTP program. Read more