Can someone help me fix the issue with the root domain not working in Webflow even though the www works fine?

Published on
September 22, 2023

To fix the issue with the root domain not working in Webflow while the www works fine, you can follow these steps:

  1. Check your DNS settings: Make sure that the DNS settings for your domain are correctly configured. Specifically, ensure that the A records or CNAME records are correctly pointing to Webflow's servers. You can find the necessary DNS settings in your Webflow project settings.

  2. Add a domain redirect: If you want to use the root domain (e.g., example.com) instead of the subdomain (e.g., www.example.com), you can set up a domain redirect. In your Webflow project settings, go to the Hosting tab, and under "Redirects," add a URL redirect from "www.example.com" to "example.com." This will redirect all traffic from the subdomain to the root domain.

  3. Publish your site: After making any changes to your DNS settings or adding a domain redirect, make sure to publish your site in Webflow. This will update the DNS records and apply any changes you made. You can click the "Publish" button in the Webflow Designer or go to the Hosting tab in your project settings and click "Publish" there.

  4. Clear your DNS cache: Sometimes, your computer or browser may be using outdated DNS information. To ensure you're accessing the most up-to-date DNS records, clear your DNS cache. You can do this by opening Command Prompt (Windows) or Terminal (Mac), typing the command ipconfig/flushdns (Windows) or dscacheutil -flushcache (Mac), and pressing Enter.

  5. Wait for propagation: DNS changes can take time to propagate fully. It may take up to 48 hours for the changes to be reflected across all servers and devices. If you've followed the steps above and your root domain still doesn't work, give it some time and check again later.

By following these steps, you should be able to fix the issue with the root domain not working in Webflow while the www works fine. Just remember to ensure your DNS settings are correct, set up a domain redirect if necessary, publish your site, clear your DNS cache, and wait for propagation.

Additional Questions:

  1. How do I set up a domain redirect in Webflow?
  2. What are the common DNS settings I need to check in Webflow for my domain?
  3. How long does it typically take for DNS changes to propagate?