How can I resolve the redirect error in Webflow so that my site can be properly indexed?
TL;DR
- Set only one primary domain in Webflow settings and ensure DNS records match Webflow’s specifications.
- Avoid overlapping redirects from third-party services, and use Webflow’s tools and Google Search Console to identify and resolve any redirect or indexing issues.
A redirect error in Webflow typically occurs when domain settings are misconfigured, resulting in redirect loops or blocked indexing by search engines like Google.
1. Check Webflow Domain Settings
- Go to Project Settings in your Webflow dashboard.
- Click the "Publishing" tab, then choose "Custom Domains".
- Ensure only one version of your domain is set as the Primary domain (either
www.example.comorexample.com, not both). - Webflow automatically redirects non-primary domains to the primary one. Multiple primary domains cause redirect issues.
2. Verify Domain Configuration at the DNS Level
- If you use Webflow’s recommended setup, the root domain (
example.com) should have: - A records pointing to (a) 75.2.70.75, (b) 99.83.190.102
- The subdomain (
www.example.com) should have: - A CNAME record pointing to
proxy-ssl.webflow.com - Make sure DNS changes have propagated — they can take up to 48 hours.
3. Avoid Double Redirects
- If you're using a third-party redirect service (like Cloudflare or your hosting provider), turn off redirection rules that overlap with Webflow's own redirects.
- Use only one redirect source to the preferred “www” or root version, not both Webflow and external services.
4. Test with Webflow Hosting Checker
- Use the Hosting tab in your Webflow project to check for issues.
- Webflow will display errors if your DNS records or domain settings aren't correct.
5. Inspect with Google Search Console
- Under “Indexing > Pages,” review errors such as “Redirect error” or “Indexed, not submitted in sitemap”.
- Use the URL Inspection Tool to verify the live version and detect redirect chains or errors.
6. Clean Up Inflated Redirect Chains
- Make sure your redirects are not looping (e.g.,
example.com→www.example.com→example.com). - Check Webflow’s 301 Redirects under the “SEO” tab in Project Settings for any incorrect rules.
Summary
To resolve redirect errors in Webflow, set a single primary domain, match DNS records to Webflow's requirements, and avoid overlapping redirects from external tools. Use the Webflow dashboard and Google Search Console to confirm that redirects are functioning correctly and indexing is not blocked.