This is How to Fix the "Domain is Redirecting to Subdomain" Error in WordPress
It's a frustrating moment when you realize your primary domain is redirecting to a subdomain, like https://dev8.domain.com.au
instead of https://domain.com.au
. This can happen for a variety of reasons, and it's important to identify and resolve the issue quickly to ensure your website is functioning properly.
In this article, we'll dive into the common causes of the "Domain is Redirecting to Subdomain" error in WordPress, and provide step-by-step guidance on how to diagnose and fix the problem. By the end, you'll have the knowledge and tools you need to get your website back on track.
Understanding the "Domain is Redirecting to Subdomain" Error
The "Domain is Redirecting to Subdomain" error occurs when your primary domain (e.g., domain.com
) is automatically redirecting to a subdomain (e.g., dev8.domain.com.au
). This can happen for a few key reasons:
-
Misconfigured Redirects: If you or a developer previously set up a redirect from your primary domain to a subdomain, this could be the culprit. Redirects are often used for testing or development purposes, but can sometimes be left in place accidentally.
-
Subdomains Configured in WordPress: WordPress allows you to easily create and manage subdomains as part of your website. If you've set up a subdomain in your WordPress dashboard, it may be causing the redirect.
-
Server-level Configurations: In some cases, the redirect may be happening at the server level, rather than within your WordPress installation. This could be due to .htaccess file settings, DNS configurations, or other server-level configurations.
-
Plugins or Themes: Occasionally, a WordPress plugin or theme can introduce redirects or other issues that lead to the "Domain is Redirecting to Subdomain" error.
Identifying the root cause of the issue is the first step in resolving the problem. Let's dive into the troubleshooting process.
Troubleshooting the "Domain is Redirecting to Subdomain" Error
To diagnose and fix the "Domain is Redirecting to Subdomain" error, follow these steps:
-
Check Your WordPress Settings: Log in to your WordPress dashboard and navigate to the "Settings" > "General" page. Verify that your "WordPress Address (URL)" and "Site Address (URL)" fields are set to the correct primary domain, without any subdomains.
-
Inspect Your .htaccess File: The .htaccess file is a hidden file that lives in the root directory of your WordPress installation. It can contain server-level rules that may be causing the redirect. Open your .htaccess file and look for any suspicious redirect rules. If you find any, remove them or comment them out.
-
Deactivate and Reactivate Plugins: Sometimes, a WordPress plugin can introduce redirects or other issues that lead to the "Domain is Redirecting to Subdomain" error. Try deactivating all your plugins, then reactivating them one by one to see if one of them is the culprit.
-
Switch to a Default WordPress Theme: Similar to plugins, a WordPress theme can also be the source of the problem. Switch to a default WordPress theme, like Twenty Twenty-One or Twenty Twenty-Two, to see if the issue persists.
-
Check Your DNS Settings: If the above steps don't resolve the issue, the redirect may be happening at the server or DNS level. Log in to your domain registrar or hosting provider's control panel and check your DNS settings. Ensure that your primary domain is properly configured to point to your website's hosting.
-
Use a Redirection Plugin: If you've exhausted the above troubleshooting steps, consider installing a redirection plugin like Redirection or Safe Redirect Manager. These plugins can help you identify and manage any redirects that may be causing the issue.
-
Contact Your Hosting Provider: If you're still unable to resolve the "Domain is Redirecting to Subdomain" error, reach out to your hosting provider for assistance. They may be able to help you diagnose and fix the problem at the server level.
By following these steps, you should be able to identify and resolve the "Domain is Redirecting to Subdomain" error in your WordPress website.
Real-World Example: Fixing a Redirect Issue for a WordPress Website
Let's look at a real-world example of how to fix the "Domain is Redirecting to Subdomain" error.
Imagine you're the website owner of example.com
, and you notice that your primary domain is redirecting to dev.example.com
. After logging into your WordPress dashboard, you verify that your "WordPress Address (URL)" and "Site Address (URL)" fields are correctly set to https://example.com
.
Next, you check your .htaccess file and find the following redirect rule:
Redirect 301 / https://dev.example.com
This rule is causing the redirect from your primary domain to the subdomain. You simply remove or comment out this line, and the redirect should be resolved.
However, let's say the issue persists even after updating the .htaccess file. You then deactivate all your WordPress plugins and switch to a default theme, but the problem still remains. At this point, you decide to check your DNS settings.
Upon reviewing your domain's DNS configuration, you notice that the "A" record for your primary domain is incorrectly pointing to the IP address of the subdomain server, rather than your main website's hosting server. You update the "A" record to the correct IP address, and voila! The "Domain is Redirecting to Subdomain" error is finally fixed.
In this example, the root cause was a combination of a misconfigured .htaccess file and incorrect DNS settings. By following a systematic troubleshooting approach, the website owner was able to identify and resolve the issue, ensuring their primary domain was functioning as expected.
Conclusion
The "Domain is Redirecting to Subdomain" error can be a frustrating problem, but it's often a relatively straightforward issue to diagnose and fix. By understanding the common causes, and following a structured troubleshooting process, you can quickly get your WordPress website back on track.
Remember, if you're unable to resolve the issue on your own, don't hesitate to reach out to your hosting provider or a WordPress development expert for assistance. With the right guidance, you can get your website up and running smoothly in no time.
For more tips on optimizing your WordPress website's performance and user experience, be sure to check out Flowpoint.ai. Flowpoint's AI-powered analytics and recommendations can help you identify and fix a wide range of technical issues, ensuring your website is running at its best
Get a Free AI Website Audit
Automatically identify UX and content issues affecting your conversion rates with Flowpoint's comprehensive AI-driven website audit.