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Why did my Webflow site stop working with a 526 error after using Cloudflare's proxy DNS?

TL;DR
  • Set Cloudflare SSL/TLS mode to Full (not "Full (Strict)").
  • Disable Cloudflare’s proxy by setting DNS records to gray-cloud (DNS-only).
  • Ensure Webflow SSL is enabled in Webflow Project Settings.
  • Clear browser cache, flush DNS, and wait for up to 24 hours for DNS propagation.

A 526 Invalid SSL Certificate error occurs when Cloudflare cannot verify a valid SSL certificate on your Webflow site. This happens if you enabled Cloudflare's proxy (orange-cloud) feature while Webflow uses its own SSL/TLS setup.

1. Confirm the SSL/TLS Mode in Cloudflare

  • Go to Cloudflare Dashboard → Your Domain → SSL/TLS.
  • The recommended setting for Webflow is Full (not "Full (Strict)").
  • Full (Strict) requires a valid SSL certificate on your Webflow server, which Webflow does not provide for Cloudflare’s proxy.

2. Bypass Cloudflare's Proxy

  • Go to Cloudflare → DNS Settings.
  • Find the A or CNAME records pointing to Webflow's servers.
  • Click the Orange Cloud icon so it turns Gray (DNS-only).
  • This ensures direct traffic to Webflow without Cloudflare intervening.

3. Verify Webflow's SSL Certificate

  • Go to Webflow Project Settings → Hosting.
  • Ensure that SSL is enabled and working. If needed, disable and re-enable SSL to refresh the certificate.
  • You can also test the site by temporarily removing Cloudflare’s DNS settings and using a tool like SSL Labs' SSL Test to verify Webflow's certificate.

4. Clear Cache and DNS

  • Clear browser cache and restart your browser.
  • Flush local DNS cache using ipconfig /flushdns (Windows) or sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder (Mac).
  • If still not working, wait up to 24 hours for DNS propagation after making changes.

Summary

Your site stopped working because Cloudflare’s proxy setting (orange-cloud) required an SSL certificate that Webflow doesn’t provide for Cloudflare's strict mode. Set SSL/TLS to "Full", disable Cloudflare’s proxy (gray-cloud the records), and ensure Webflow SSL is enabled. If needed, wait for DNS changes to propagate.

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