Managing Hotlink Protection in DirectAdmin
Summary
This guide explains how to enable and configure Hotlink Protection in DirectAdmin. Hotlink protection prevents other websites from directly using your images, videos, or files by embedding them on their own pages and consuming your bandwidth.
Overview
Hotlink Protection blocks external domains from loading your files unless you explicitly allow them. This helps protect server resources and prevents unauthorized use of your media.
Requirements
- DirectAdmin user-level access
- At least one active domain
- Files must be hosted on your server for protection to apply
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Access Hotlink Protection
- Log in to DirectAdmin
- Go to Account Manager → Hotlink Protection
- Select the domain you want to protect
2. Enable Hotlink Protection
- Check the option “Enable Hotlink Protection”
- Enter the file types you want to protect (example: jpg, png, gif, mp4, pdf)
- Add allowed referrers (domains that are permitted to load your files)
• Your main domain
• www version of your domain
• Any additional domains you trust
- Click “Save”
3. Add Allowed Domains
To prevent blocking your own services:
- Add your domain: example.com
- Add www version: www.example.com
- Add subdomains if needed: cdn.example.com
4. Block Direct Access to Files
- Enable the option to block direct access if you want to prevent users from opening protected files directly in a browser
- Save changes
5. Disable Hotlink Protection
- Uncheck “Enable Hotlink Protection”
- Save changes
This immediately removes all hotlink restrictions.
Troubleshooting
Images Not Loading on Your Own Site
- Ensure your domain and www version are listed as allowed referrers
- Clear browser cache
- Check for CDN or proxy services that may require additional referrer entries
Hotlink Protection Not Working
- Confirm the file types are listed correctly
- Ensure no conflicting .htaccess rules exist
- Check if the external site is using a proxy or script to bypass referrer checks
CDN Conflicts
- Add your CDN domain to the allowed list
- Ensure the CDN is not stripping referrer headers
Related Articles
- Domains
- Site Redirects
- DNS Management
- File Manager