How do I get my Webflow site live when I am receiving a DNS probe finished nxdomain error and the CName setting is not propagating correctly?
TL;DR
- Ensure Webflow is configured with your custom domain, set www as the default, and verify hosting settings.
- In your domain registrar, add A records for the root domain and a CNAME for www pointing to proxy-ssl.webflow.com, removing any conflicting records.
- Wait for DNS propagation, publish your site in Webflow, and clear your browser and DNS cache.
The DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN error usually means your domain’s DNS settings are not correctly pointing to Webflow, especially if the CNAME record isn't propagating. This blocks your site from resolving correctly online.
1. Verify Your Webflow Domain Settings
- Go to Project Settings in Webflow.
- Click on the Hosting tab.
- In the Custom Domains section, verify your root domain (e.g., yourdomain.com) and subdomain (e.g., www.yourdomain.com) are added.
- Webflow typically advises setting the www domain as the default.
2. Set Correct DNS Records in Your Domain Registrar
- In your domain registrar’s DNS settings (such as GoDaddy, Namecheap, etc.), ensure the following:
- A Records for the root domain (
yourdomain.com) should point to:- (a) 75.2.70.75
- (b) 99.83.190.102
- CNAME Record for the subdomain (
www.yourdomain.com) should point to:- proxy-ssl.webflow.com
3. Remove Conflicting Records
- Delete any existing A, AAAA, or CNAME records that:
- Conflict with the ones required above (e.g., an old A record pointing elsewhere).
- Are wildcard records or duplicates.
- Some registrars will not allow both A and CNAME records on the root domain—focus A records on root and CNAME only on www.
4. Wait for DNS Propagation
- After making updates, DNS changes can take 1–48 hours, though most update in a few hours.
- Use free tools like whatsmydns.net to check if your CNAME and A records are propagating globally.
5. Publish Your Webflow Project
- In Webflow, go to your project’s dashboard.
- Click Publish and select your custom domain.
- Wait a few minutes, then try accessing the site.
6. Clear Your Browser and DNS Cache
- Clear browser cache or use an incognito window.
- Run the command ipconfig /flushdns (on Windows) or sudo dscacheutil -flushcache; sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder (on Mac) to flush local DNS.
Summary
To resolve the DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN error, ensure your DNS records are set correctly—A records for the root domain, CNAME for www pointing to proxy-ssl.webflow.com—and wait for propagation. Then publish the site from Webflow and clear your cache.