How can I prevent visitors from seeing the default Webflow 404 page when they enter my website without the "www." prefix?
TL;DR
- Add both www and non-www domain versions in Webflow's Hosting settings.
- Point the non-www domain to Webflow using two A records (75.2.70.75 and 99.83.190.102) in your DNS settings.
- Set www version as the default domain in Webflow to redirect all traffic properly.
If visitors are landing on the default Webflow 404 page when they type your domain without the "www." prefix, it's because your non-www domain isn’t properly pointed or set up as the default.
1. Add Both WWW and Non-WWW Domains in Webflow
- Go to Project Settings > Hosting tab.
- Scroll to the Custom Domains section.
- Ensure that both versions of your domain are added: www.example.com and example.com.
- If one version is missing, add it and verify domain ownership if prompted.
2. Point the Non-WWW Version to Webflow
- In your domain registrar’s DNS settings, set up two A records for the root domain (example.com, no www):
- (a) 75.2.70.75
- (b) 99.83.190.102
- This ensures the non-www version points to Webflow.
3. Set the WWW Version as the Default Domain
- In the same Custom Domains section of your Project Settings:
- Click the "Make default" button next to www.example.com.
- Webflow will then redirect all traffic, including the non-www version, to the www version.
4. Wait for DNS Propagation
- DNS changes can take up to 48 hours, but usually finish sooner.
- Use tools like whatsmydns.net to confirm that your A records have propagated globally.
Summary
To avoid Webflow’s default 404 page when visitors enter your site without "www.", ensure both domain versions are added, point your root domain via A records, and set the www version as the default in Webflow.
