Can the double www issue be related to the CNAME configuration on Webflow?

Published on
September 22, 2023

The double www issue is a common problem that occurs when a website URL includes "www" twice, such as "www.www.example.com". This issue can be related to the CNAME configuration on Webflow in some cases. Let's explore why and how to fix it.

Why does the double www issue happen?
The double www issue typically occurs when there is a misconfiguration in the DNS (Domain Name System) settings. The DNS translates domain names into IP addresses, allowing computers to locate websites. When there is a misconfiguration, it may result in multiple or incorrect entries for the "www" prefix.

How does CNAME configuration affect the double www issue?
The CNAME (Canonical Name) record in the DNS is used to map one domain name to another. In the context of Webflow, the CNAME configuration is necessary to connect your custom domain to your Webflow website. The CNAME entry usually points to the Webflow subdomain (e.g., "proxy-ssl.webflow.com") to ensure proper routing.

Here are a few scenarios where the CNAME configuration can affect the double www issue:

  1. Missing CNAME record: If the CNAME record is not correctly set up, it might result in the double www issue. For example, if you have set up the CNAME entry to point to "www.yourdomain.com" instead of the Webflow subdomain, it can create a redirection loop and lead to the double www problem.

  2. Conflicting CNAME records: In some cases, conflicting CNAME records can cause the double www issue. Make sure you don't have multiple CNAME records with conflicting settings for the same domain.

How to fix the double www issue related to CNAME configuration?
To fix the double www issue related to CNAME configuration on Webflow, follow these steps:

  1. Check your CNAME configuration: Double-check that you have correctly set up the CNAME record to point to the Webflow subdomain. It should not include any "www" prefixes.

  2. Remove conflicting CNAME records: If you have multiple conflicting CNAME records for the same domain, remove or fix the conflicting entries. This will ensure that the correct routing is established.

  3. Clear DNS cache: After making any changes, clear the DNS cache on your computer and devices to ensure that the changes take effect. This can be done by restarting your devices or using specific commands depending on your operating system.

By verifying and correcting the CNAME configuration, you should be able to resolve the double www issue on your Webflow website.

Additional Questions

  1. How does a misconfigured CNAME record impact website performance?
  2. What are the common DNS issues that can affect a Webflow website?
  3. Can I use a different DNS provider with Webflow instead of using Webflow's default DNS configuration?