Why the Main Domain Works but the “www” Version Doesn’t

 

Have you ever experienced a situation where your example.com works perfectly fine, but the www.example.com version does not resolve correctly? You are not alone! This is a common issue that many domain owners face, and it typically boils down to DNS configuration problems.

In this article, we'll explain why your main domain (without "www") works, but the "www" version doesn’t. We'll also provide practical steps on how to fix this issue and ensure your website is fully accessible to visitors no matter how they type your domain. 

What's the Difference Between the Main Domain and the "www" Version?

First things: the main domain and the "www" subdomain are technically separate entities in the Domain Name System (DNS).

The main domain (e.g., example.com) typically points to an A record (an IP address) or can be a CNAME (canonical name) pointing to another domain.

The "www" subdomain (e.g., www.example.com) is often set up as a CNAME record that points to the main domain (example.com).

But here's the catch: DNS does not automatically mirror records between the root domain and the "www" subdomain. This means that if the www record is not properly configured, only the main domain will resolve, and the "www" version will fail to load.

Example of DNS Configuration Issue:

example.com  A   192.0.2.1  ← Main domain works fine.

www.example.com  (no record)  ← No CNAME or A record for www version.

In this case, visitors typing www.example.com will not be able to access the site because there's no record directing them to the correct destination.

Why Does the "www" Version Not Work?
There are several common reasons why the www version of your domain might not work while the main domain does:

1. Missing "www" DNS Record

If the CNAME or A record for the www subdomain is missing, your domain will fail to resolve when users try to access the www version. This is the most common cause of this issue.

• Root domain works: The main domain is resolving correctly with an A record or CNAME.
  
• "www" record missing: If no CNAME or A record is created for the "www" subdomain, DNS cannot resolve it.

2. Only an A Record Exists for the Root Domain

In many cases, the root domain has an A record pointing to an IP address, but there is no CNAME or A record for the "www" version. Without this, visitors trying to reach www.example.com will encounter an error or a "page not found" message.

3. CNAME Records and DNS Configuration

A CNAME record is the ideal way to set up the "www" subdomain. However, a CNAME record should only be used for subdomains (like "www"). If a CNAME record is mistakenly set for the root domain (example.com), it will lead to errors, as the root domain cannot have a CNAME record according to DNS standards.

Important: The root domain must always have an A record or AAAA record and cannot have a CNAME.

4. Web Server Configuration Not Handling "www"
Even if your DNS records are correct, your web server configuration must also support www access. If your web server (such as Apache or Nginx) isn't set to handle requests for www.example.com, users will not be able to access your site via that version of your domain.


How to Fix the "www" Version Not Working: Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Check DNS Records for "www"
First, you need to check whether the DNS records for www are configured correctly.

• Log in to your DNS provider's control panel and check the DNS zone for your domain.
• Ensure that CNAME or A record exists for the www subdomain. A typical configuration would look like this:

Host: www
Type: CNAME
Value: example.com

or
Host: www
Type: A
Value: 192.0.2.1 (your server's IP address)

If these records are missing or incorrect,  your www subdomain won't resolve correctly.

Step 2: Use DNS Lookup Tools
Use online tools like nslookup or DNSstuff to check if your www subdomain resolves correctly. These tools will help you identify if your DNS records are propagating correctly or if there's an issue with the setup.

Step 3: Ensure Web Server Configuration Supports "www"
Check your web server configuration to make sure that it's accepting www.example.com as a valid domain.

Step 4: Implement 301 Redirect (Optional)
If you prefer one version of your domain (either www or non-www) to be the primary one, you can set up a 301 redirect. This will redirect traffic from the non-preferred version to the preferred one, which can help with SEO consistency.


FAQ: Common Questions and Answers
Q1: Why does my domain work with example.com but not with www.example.com?

A: This usually happens because the www subdomain does not have the correct DNS records. Ensure that a CNAME or A record exists for www.
Q2: What should I do if my DNS is correct but the “www” version still doesn’t work?

A: Check your web server configuration. You may need to ensure that www is configured to be accepted by your web server.
Q3: Can I use a CNAME for the root domain?

A: No, CNAME records are only allowed for subdomains (like www), not for the root domain (example.com).
Q4: How do I ensure my domain always works with and without www?

A: The best practice is to configure DNS records for both the www version and the non-www version. Additionally, set up a 301 redirect to ensure that only one version is primarily used.

Conclusion: Ensure Your Domain Works Smoothly on All Versions
By understanding the relationship between your main domain and the "www" subdomain, and ensuring that both are properly configured in your DNS and web server, you can make sure that your website is always accessible to visitors, regardless of how they type your domain.
If you encounter issues with DNS resolution or web server configuration, following the steps outlined in this article will help you resolve them quickly and keep your website up and running smoothly.
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