Troubleshooting DNS Issues in Webflow Hosting

Step 1: Understand Your DNS Records

DNS records function like an internet address book, guiding browsers to your website. Here are key DNS records:

- A Record: Points your domain to an IP address (IPv4). Webflow provides specific IP addresses for this.
- CNAME Record: Directs a subdomain to another domain, often used for subdomains.
- MX Record: Manages email delivery and is primarily related to email services.
- TXT Record: Used for domain ownership verification and security.

Step 2: Gather Necessary Information from Webflow

Log in to your Webflow account and access the project settings for your website. Under the "Hosting" tab, note the IP addresses for the A Records and information for setting up the CNAME record, as you'll need them for configuration.

Step 3: Access Your Domain Registrar

Log into the account where you purchased your domain (such as GoDaddy or Google Domains) and navigate to the DNS management area, typically under settings labeled "Manage DNS" or "DNS Settings."

Step 4: Update A Records

Find the A Records section in the DNS management area:

- Remove any A Records not pointing to Webflow.
- Add new A Records with the IP addresses provided by Webflow. Typically, you'll add two to four A Records with different IPs as specified by Webflow.

Step 5: Set Up CNAME Record

Locate the CNAME Records section:

- Remove any CNAME records that are not needed.
- Create a new CNAME record for the subdomain (usually www) and point it to the Webflow subdomain (usually proxy.webflow.com).

Step 6: Verify Domain Ownership (If Necessary)

Some registrars require domain ownership verification before changes occur. Follow any verification procedures your registrar requires, potentially using a TXT record provided by Webflow for this purpose.

Step 7: Save Changes and Wait for Propagation

After entering the A and CNAME records, save the changes. DNS changes can take from a few minutes to 48 hours to fully propagate. During this phase, your site might be intermittently accessible.

Step 8: Check DNS Propagation

To see if changes have propagated, use online tools like Whatsmydns.net or DNSChecker.org. Enter your domain and choose the record type (A or CNAME) to verify if updates are correctly in place.

Step 9: Final Verification on Webflow

Once DNS propagation is confirmed, revisit your Webflow account's "Hosting" settings. Webflow should verify your domain is properly connected. If issues persist, review your DNS records to ensure they align with Webflow's requirements.

Step 10: Secure Your Site with SSL (Optional but Recommended)

Consider enabling SSL once your site is live and DNS is set up. SSL ensures secure communication between your website and visitors. In Webflow's hosting settings, enable SSL, and check your site in different browsers to verify it displays securely.

Conclusion

By following these steps, you should resolve DNS issues with Webflow hosting successfully. Configuring DNS correctly is crucial to getting your site live and running smoothly. If problems continue, contact your domain registrar’s or Webflow's support for help. With careful attention, your website will be operational promptly.