Set up hosts file

The hosts file is a system configuration file that maps domain names to specific IP addresses. By editing this file, you can customize how Olares resolves domain names, bypass the default DNS resolution, and control access to certain websites or services.

Add a host

To add a new domain name and IP address mapping in Olares:

1. Open Settings, and go to System > Hosts.
2. Select Add hosts in the top-right corner, and specify the domain name/IP address pair.
   • Host name: Enter the domain name you want to map (e.g., example.com).
   • IP: Enter the corresponding IP address (e.g., 93.184.216.34).
3. Click Confirm to save the changes.

DNS cache delay

After editing the hosts file, the changes might not take effect immediately due to DNS caching.

Verify hosts file change

To ensure that the new domain-to-IP mapping is working as expected, you can use the nslookup command. This command allows you to check whether the domain resolves to the IP address you specified in the hosts file.

In your command prompt or terminal, run the following command, and replace [domain-name] with the domain you want to verify:

nslookup [domain-name]

The output will include the resolved IP address for the domain. For example:

Name:    example.com
Address: 93.184.216.34

If the Address field matches the IP address you configured in the hosts file, it means the changes have taken effect.