Why am I getting 403 errors on my Webflow site, but only when I try using my Ionos domain?

A 403 Forbidden error often indicates that your browser is unable to access the web page due to permission issues. This can be particularly frustrating when it occurs with specific domains like Ionos. Let's get into the steps to resolve it.

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1. Check DNS Settings

• Verify A Records: Ensure that your domain's A records point to Webflow's IP addresses, which are (a) 75.2.70.75 and (b) 99.83.190.102.
• Cross-check with Webflow: Make sure these records match what Webflow provides in your specific project settings.

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2. Configure Domain in Webflow

• Go to Project Settings: Navigate to the Hosting tab within your Webflow project.
• Add Custom Domain: Ensure that your Ionos domain is correctly added and marked as the Default Domain in Webflow.

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3. Domain Propagation Time

• Allow Time: DNS changes can take up to 48 hours to propagate worldwide. Be patient if you’ve recently updated your DNS settings.

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4. Check Domain Lock or Forwarding

• Disable Lock or Forwarding: Ensure that your Ionos domain isn’t locked or being forwarded incorrectly, which could lead to permission issues and subsequently the 403 error.

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5. Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) Configuration

• Enable SSL: Go to the Hosting tab in Webflow settings and make sure SSL is enabled.
• Check SSL Settings in Ionos: Verify that any SSL settings in Ionos do not conflict with Webflow’s settings.

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6. Review Access Controls

• Ionos Account Settings: Check if there are access controls or IP blocks set within Ionos that might restrict Webflow from serving your site.

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Summary

To resolve a 403 error with your Ionos domain in Webflow, double-check DNS settings, ensure proper configuration in Webflow’s project settings, and verify that SSL is properly set up. Also, be mindful of any access restrictions within Ionos that could lead to this issue. By following these steps, you should be able to identify and fix the problem.