Question: Webflow says my custom domain is connected, but it's not showing in the browser. How can I resolve this issue?

Published on
September 22, 2023

If Webflow says that your custom domain is connected, but it's not showing in the browser, there are a few steps you can take to resolve this issue:

  1. Double-check your DNS settings: Make sure that your domain's DNS settings are correctly configured. You need to set up two DNS records: an A record and a CNAME record. The A record should point to Webflow's IP address (52.216.170.186 for the root domain and 35.186.216.157 for the www subdomain), and the CNAME record should point to your Webflow subdomain (usually something like proxy-ssl.webflow.com). Check with your domain registrar or DNS provider for instructions on how to set up these records.

  2. Clear your DNS cache: Sometimes, your computer or browser may have cached old DNS information, which can cause the domain not to show up correctly. To clear your DNS cache, you can try restarting your computer or flushing the DNS cache on your operating system. Instructions for flushing the DNS cache may vary depending on your operating system, so it's best to look up specific instructions for your setup.

  3. Wait for DNS propagation: After making any changes to your DNS settings, it may take some time for the changes to propagate across the internet. This process, called DNS propagation, can take up to 48 hours in some cases, although it usually occurs much faster. During this time, your website may be intermittently accessible. If it's been less than 48 hours since you made the DNS changes, it's possible that the domain hasn't fully propagated yet.

  4. Verify SSL status: If you have enabled SSL for your custom domain in Webflow, make sure that the SSL certificate is properly installed. Webflow handles SSL certificates automatically for custom domains connected through their DNS settings. However, it's worth double-checking to ensure that SSL is properly enabled for your domain. You can do this by navigating to the Hosting settings in your Webflow project and checking if the SSL status is "Enabled."

  5. Contact Webflow support: If you've gone through the steps above and your custom domain still isn't showing up in the browser, it's a good idea to reach out to Webflow support for further assistance. They have a dedicated support team that can help troubleshoot domain connection issues and provide guidance tailored to your specific situation.

By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the issue of your custom domain not showing in the browser. Remember to test your website in different browsers and devices to ensure that the domain is accessible to all visitors.

Additional questions:

  1. How do I set up DNS records for my custom domain in Webflow?
  2. How long does it take for DNS propagation to complete?
  3. Why is my Webflow website showing a "Not secure" warning in the browser?