Stop editing your hosts file to test a new server
A hosts file entry fools one computer, needs admin rights and is easy to forget. A DNSPeek link shows the new server on any device, to anyone you send it to.
Free · no card · no hosts file or VPN
Why not just edit the hosts file?
The usual ways to check a site before DNS moves each fail somewhere.
| Feature | DNSPeek | Other preview tools | Hosts file | Temporary URL |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| See it | ||||
| Check on your phone: scan a QR code | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
| Valid HTTPSBefore DNS moves, the new server often has no valid certificate for the domain. | Yes | Yes | Often not | Often not |
| Works with any host and any server | Yes | Yes | Yes | That host only |
| Nothing to install, no admin rights | Yes | Yes | Admin rights | Yes |
| WordPress logins | Yes | Varies | Yes | Often break |
| Check it | ||||
| Migration QA report | Yes | Basic checks | No | No |
| Visual diff with the live siteDNSPeek Pro plan and up. | Yes | No | No | No |
| Live side-by-side compareSynced clicks and scroll, with client share links. DNSPeek Pro plan and up. Free can try 3 sessions a month. | Yes | No | No | No |
| Alerts you when DNS has switchedDNSPeek Pro plan and up. | Yes | No | No | No |
| Share it | ||||
| Shareable with clients | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
| Password-protected or private links | Yes | Varies | No | Rarely |
| Client comments and launch approvalDNSPeek Agency plan and up. | Yes | No | No | No |
| Your whole team, with company-domain auto-joinDNSPeek Agency plan and up. | Yes | No | No | No |
| Free to start, unlimited preview links | Yes | Varies | No | With hosting |
Other preview tools: based on the public feature and pricing pages of popular DNS preview services, September 2026.
3 sessions a month on Free
Still editing the hosts file?
The usual snags, and what changes when you use a preview link instead.
Where is the hosts file?
On Windows it is C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc\hosts and you must open your editor as administrator. On macOS and Linux it is /etc/hosts and needs sudo.
Why does my hosts file change not show up?
Browsers and the operating system cache DNS answers, and some browsers resolve names over their own secure DNS. You often have to flush the cache or restart the browser, and it is easy to end up testing the old server without noticing.
Can I use a hosts file on my phone?
Not without rooting or jailbreaking it. That is why a mobile check of the new server usually gets skipped. A preview link opens on any phone, on Wi-Fi or mobile data.
Why does the browser warn about the certificate?
Before DNS points at the new server, it usually cannot get a valid certificate for your domain yet. With a hosts file you click through a warning; the preview link has its own valid HTTPS certificate.
Do I have to undo the hosts file entry later?
Yes. A forgotten entry keeps your computer on that IP after the move or a later change, which leads to confusing “works for me” bugs. A preview link changes nothing on your computer, so there is nothing to undo.
Try a link instead of the hosts file
Your domain and the new server’s IP. The link works on any device, for anyone you send it to.
From new server to live in three steps
Step 1
Enter your domain and the new IP
You get an HTTPS preview link that sends requests for your real domain to the new server. DNS stays as it is.
Step 2
Share it, run QA and compare
Open it on any device or send it to your client. Crawl it for broken pages and compare it with the live site.
Step 3
Switch DNS and get alerted
Point DNS at the new server, watch public resolvers pick it up and, on the Pro plan and up, get an email when propagation is done.
Safe to point at a real site: visitors never see the preview, private networks are blocked and links can be password-protected.How we keep it safe
Questions, answered
Short answers here; each links to the full guide where there is one. All questions
Do I need to edit my hosts file or use a VPN?
No. DNSPeek connects to the new server for you, so the preview is an ordinary link. Nothing changes on your computer, and anyone you share the link with sees the same thing.
How can I preview a website before changing DNS?
Create a DNSPeek link with your domain and the new server’s IP address. The link opens your site as served by the new server, in any browser, while public DNS still points at the old one.
Does it work with HTTPS and self-signed certificates?
Yes. Visitors always use HTTPS. For the connection to your server, choose Auto, Skip verification (for self-signed or not-yet-issued certificates) or Verify in the link settings.
Can my client open the preview without an account?
Yes. Anyone with the link can open it, on a computer or a phone. Add a password to limit who can see it. On the Agency and Provider plans clients can also leave comments and approve the launch without an account.
Can DNSPeek change anything on my server?
DNSPeek only forwards the requests visitors make on the preview. Anything they do there, like signing in, submitting a form or placing an order, really happens on the new server, just as it would on the live site.
The preview shows an error or a challenge page. What now?
Check that the server IP and ports are right and that the site is configured on that server. Firewalls and anti-bot services on the new server can block DNSPeek; the Limitations page explains what to do.
Delete that hosts file entry
Free, no credit card, and no account needed for your first link.