Why does my website show as "not secure" when I publish it with my new domain on Webflow?

Published on
September 22, 2023

When you publish your website with a new domain on Webflow, it may display as "not secure" because it lacks an SSL certificate. An SSL certificate is a digital certificate that encrypts data transmitted between a web browser and a web server, ensuring secure communication. Without an SSL certificate, your website is vulnerable to security threats and can be prone to attacks such as data interception or malware injection.

To resolve the "not secure" issue, you need to obtain and install an SSL certificate for your Webflow website. Here are the steps to accomplish this:

  1. Purchase an SSL certificate: There are multiple ways to obtain an SSL certificate. You can purchase one from a trusted SSL certificate provider such as Let's Encrypt, DigiCert, or Symantec. Alternatively, some domain registrars offer free or low-cost SSL certificates as part of their hosting packages.

  2. Generate a certificate signing request (CSR): After purchasing the SSL certificate, you'll need to generate a CSR. This process varies depending on the certificate provider, but most provide detailed instructions or tools to generate CSRs.

  3. Install the SSL certificate on Webflow: Once you have the SSL certificate and the corresponding private key, you can install it on Webflow. Log in to your Webflow account, go to the project settings, and select the "Hosting" tab. Click on "Enable SSL" and follow the instructions to upload your SSL certificate and private key.

  4. Configure your domain: After installing the SSL certificate on Webflow, you need to configure your domain to use the newly acquired SSL certificate. This involves updating your domain's DNS settings. You'll need to create a CNAME record or an A record that points to your Webflow site. Consult your domain registrar or DNS provider for specific instructions on how to configure your domain correctly.

  5. Verify the SSL certificate: After configuring your domain, it may take some time for the changes to propagate. Once the changes have taken effect, you can verify the SSL certificate installation using online tools like SSL Checker or SSL Shopper. These tools will confirm if the SSL certificate is properly installed and if your website now shows as "secure."

By following these steps, you can ensure that your Webflow website displays as "secure" with the SSL certificate correctly installed. It's essential to have a secure website not only for user trust and privacy but also for better search engine optimization (SEO) rankings as search engines prioritize secure websites in their results.

Additional questions users may search:

  1. How do I install an SSL certificate on Webflow?
  2. What are the benefits of having an SSL certificate on my website?
  3. Can I get an SSL certificate for free for my Webflow website?