What might be wrong with the CNAME and A record settings for linking my site to a custom domain in Webflow?

Published on
September 22, 2023

When linking your site to a custom domain in Webflow, there could be several issues with the CNAME and A record settings that may prevent it from working properly. Here are some possible problems and solutions:

  1. Incorrect CNAME Settings:
  • It's essential to make sure that the CNAME record is set correctly in your DNS settings.
  • Double-check that the CNAME record's HOST value is set to "www" or "@", depending on your DNS provider's requirements.
  • Confirm that the CNAME points to the correct Webflow subdomain. It should look like "proxy-ssl.webflow.com" or "proxy-ssl-xxxx.webflow.io" (with "xxxx" being your individual Webflow subdomain).
  1. Incorrect A Record Settings:
  • The A record needs to be correctly configured to point to Webflow's IP addresses.
  • Ensure that you have added two A records with the HOST values set as "@" or "non-www" and "www" respectively.
  • Place Webflow's IP addresses in the A record's "POINTS TO" field. You can find the IP addresses on Webflow's hosting tab.
  1. Propagation Issues:
  • DNS changes can take up to 48 hours to propagate fully. If you've recently made changes to your DNS settings, it's possible that the changes haven't yet propagated across all DNS servers.
  • Use a DNS propagation checker tool to verify if your DNS changes have propagated to your location.
  1. Conflicting DNS Settings:
  • Make sure that there are no conflicting DNS settings or other conflicting records in your DNS settings that might interfere with the CNAME and A record setup.
  • Check for any other CNAME or A records that could be conflicting with the Webflow configuration.
  1. SSL Certificate Issues:
  • If you're using Webflow's SSL, ensure that SSL is enabled in your Webflow project settings.
  • Double-check that you've published your site using SSL in Webflow.

Remember, setting up a custom domain in Webflow requires coordination between your domain registrar and Webflow. If you've verified your CNAME and A record settings, and the issue persists, reach out to Webflow's support for further assistance.

Additional Questions:

  1. How do I check if my DNS changes have propagated?
  2. What are some common domain registrar platforms that work well with Webflow?
  3. Can I use a subdomain with Webflow instead of a custom domain?