Webflow Custom Domain or SSL Error
Quick answer
Custom domain and SSL errors in Webflow almost always come from DNS records that do not match the dashboard, a Cloudflare proxy blocking certificate validation (error 525), or certificate provisioning still pending. Fix DNS, pause the proxy, republish and wait.
Most likely fix: Match DNS records to the dashboard
How to fix it
Try these in order — the most common fix is first.
1. Match DNS records to the dashboard
- Open Site settings > Publishing (Hosting) and read the records Webflow shows for your domain
- In your DNS provider, make the root A record and the www CNAME match exactly
- Delete old A, AAAA or CNAME records pointing elsewhere
Did this fix it?2. Pause the Cloudflare proxy
- In Cloudflare DNS, set the Webflow records to 'DNS only' (grey cloud)
- Wait for Webflow to show the domain as connected and SSL as active
- Turn the proxy back on only if you need it, using Full SSL mode
Did this fix it?3. Republish to regenerate the certificate
- Open Site settings > Publishing
- Click Publish to all domains
- Wait a few minutes and reload in a private window
Did this fix it?4. Wait for propagation and check status
- Allow 15-30 minutes, longer for some DNS hosts
- Use a DNS lookup tool to confirm your records
- Check status.webflow.com for SSL validation incidents
Did this fix it?5. Contact support with specifics
- Send the exact error text, domain and DNS records
- Include whether a proxy or CDN sits in front of the site
Did this fix it?
Symptoms
Your custom domain shows 'This site can't provide a secure connection', ERR_SSL_PROTOCOL_ERROR, SSL_ERROR_INTERNAL_ERROR_ALERT, NXDOMAIN or Cloudflare error 525.
Why it happens
- DNS A or CNAME records missing or different from the ones shown in Hosting settings
- DNS changes not propagated yet (can take 15-30 minutes or longer)
- Cloudflare proxy (orange cloud) blocks Let's Encrypt validation, causing 525
- Old conflicting records for the same domain, e.g. leftover AAAA or A records
- SSL certificate not issued because the site was not republished
- Temporary Webflow incidents delaying SSL validation
This guide also covers
- webflow custom domain not working
- webflow ssl error
- webflow error 525
- webflow ERR_SSL_PROTOCOL_ERROR
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