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Custom Domains

Configure Custom Root 404 URL

Learn how to configure a custom 404 destination for your custom domain to redirect visitors who access invalid or non-existent URLs.

4 min read 01 Aug 2026 40 Views

Overview

Custom Root 404 URL allows you to redirect visitors who access invalid or non-existent URLs on your custom domain to a custom webpage instead of displaying a standard 404 (Page Not Found) error.

This feature helps maintain a consistent brand experience by directing visitors to a helpful page such as your homepage, a custom 404 page, a support page, or a landing page whenever an invalid short URL is accessed.

Good to Know:
Custom Root 404 URL only applies when a visitor accesses a URL that does not exist on your custom domain. Valid short links and Root Domain Redirection continue to function normally.

When Should You Use a Custom Root 404 URL?

Instead of showing a generic browser error page, you can redirect visitors to a page that provides useful information or encourages further engagement.

  • Display a branded 404 page.
  • Redirect visitors to your homepage.
  • Send users to a support or help centre.
  • Redirect traffic to a marketing landing page.
  • Provide alternative navigation for mistyped URLs.

How It Works

  1. A visitor accesses a URL on your custom domain.
  2. SPRL checks whether the requested short link exists.
  3. If the URL exists, the visitor is redirected normally.
  4. If the URL does not exist, SPRL checks for a configured Custom Root 404 URL.
  5. If configured, the visitor is redirected to your custom destination instead of seeing a standard 404 error page.

How to Configure a Custom Root 404 URL

  1. Sign in to your SPRL account.
  2. Navigate to Dashboard → Custom Domains.
  3. Select the custom domain you want to configure.
  4. Open the Custom Root 404 URL section.
  5. Click Modify.
  6. Enter the destination URL that visitors should be redirected to.
  7. Select an expiry date, if required.
  8. Save your changes.

Once enabled, visitors accessing invalid or non-existent URLs on your custom domain will automatically be redirected to the configured destination.

Recommended Destination Pages

Destination Recommended
Custom 404 Page Yes
Company Homepage Yes
Support Centre Yes
Knowledge Base Yes
Marketing Landing Page Yes

Common Questions

Will this affect existing short links?

No. Existing short links continue to function normally. The Custom Root 404 URL is only used when the requested URL does not exist.

Can I change the destination page later?

Yes. You can update or replace the configured destination URL at any time.

Can I disable the feature?

Yes. You may remove or disable the Custom Root 404 URL whenever required.

Can I redirect to any website?

Yes. You may specify any valid and accessible destination URL.

Can I configure an expiry date?

Yes. The redirect can automatically expire after the configured date if required.

Best Practices

  • Create a branded 404 page that matches your website.
  • Provide helpful navigation so visitors can continue browsing.
  • Include links to your homepage, products, or support resources.
  • Use HTTPS destinations whenever possible.
  • Review the destination page periodically to ensure it remains available.
  • Keep messaging clear so visitors understand the requested link could not be found.

Troubleshooting

Issue Possible Solution
Invalid URLs still show a default error Verify that a Custom Root 404 URL has been configured and saved successfully.
Visitors are redirected to an incorrect page Review the configured destination URL and update it if necessary.
Redirect no longer works Check whether the configured redirect has expired.
Valid short links redirect unexpectedly Custom Root 404 URL only applies to invalid URLs. Verify the individual short link configuration.

Quick Reference

Feature Summary
Purpose Redirect visitors accessing invalid URLs on your custom domain.
Affects Existing Short Links No.
Destination Any valid webpage or website.
Expiry Optional expiration date supported.
Can be Modified Yes, at any time.
Learn More:
Visit the SPRL Help Centre to learn more about Custom Domains, DNS Configuration, SSL Activation, Root Domain Redirection, and other domain management features.
Tip: Instead of sending visitors to a generic error page, redirect them to a helpful branded page with links to your homepage, products, contact information, or support resources. This improves the visitor experience and helps retain traffic that might otherwise be lost.

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