There are instructions/directives in the .htaccess file that tell the server how to act in certain scenarios and directly affects how your website functions. Common directives in .htaccess file:
- Redirects
- Rewriting URLs
- Edit the file on your computer and upload it to the server using FTP.
- Use “Edit” mode in FTP program that allows you to edit a file remotely.
- Use a text editor and SSH to edit the file.
- Use the File Manager in cPanel to edit the file.
Note: Backup your website in case something goes wrong.
- Login to cPanel
- Files > File Manager > Document Root for:
- Now select the domain name you want to access
- Check “Show Hidden Files (dotfiles)”
- Click “Go”
- After a new tab or window opens, look for the .htaccess file.
- Right click on the .htaccess file and click on “Code Edit” on the menu.
- A dialogue box may pop up asking about encoding. Click “Edit” button to continue.
- Edit the file
- “Save Changes” when done.
- Test your website to make sure it is done correctly. In case, there is an error, restore to the previous version and try again.
- Once you are done, click “Close” to close the window.
1. Redirect All Web Traffic
If you have existing code in your .htaccess, add the following:
C++:
RewriteEngine On
RewriteCond %{SERVER_PORT} 80
RewriteRule ^(.*)$ https://www.yourdomain.com/$1 [R,L]2. Redirect Only a Specific Domain
For redirecting a specific domain to use HTTPS, add the following:
C++:
RewriteEngine On
RewriteCond %{HTTP_HOST} ^yourdomain\.com [NC]
RewriteCond %{SERVER_PORT} 80
RewriteRule ^(.*)$ https://www.yourdomain.com/$1 [R,L]3. Redirect Only a Specific Folder
Redirecting to HTTPS on a specific folder, add the following:
C++:
RewriteEngine On
RewriteCond %{SERVER_PORT} 80
RewriteCond %{REQUEST_URI} folder
RewriteRule ^(.*)$ https://www.yourdomain.com/folder/$1 [R,L]Note: Replace “yourdomain” with your actual domain name wherever required. Also, in case of the folder, replace /folder with the actual folder name.
