The root address and www are different hostnames. Both need suitable DNS and hosting configuration if visitors will use them. Choose a primary version, make the other redirect to it and ensure HTTPS works before the redirect is attempted.
Before you begin
- Check DNS for both hostnames.
- Configure the redirect at the website service.
- Test HTTPS on the starting address too.
Check the two hostnames independently
For a domain such as example.com, the root is example.com and the www version is www.example.com. A record for one does not always supply an answer for the other. Check the exact hostname in your provider’s connection instructions.
Your host may use different record types for the two names. Copy both sets of instructions where required and confirm the website service recognises both addresses. DNS can reach a server that still does not know which site to display.
Choose one public version
Pick the version you want to use in navigation, email signatures and business materials. Then configure a server or platform redirect from the alternative version. This gives visitors a consistent destination and helps keep website URLs organised.
A CNAME is a DNS alias, not an HTTP redirect. It does not by itself change the address shown in the browser. Use your hosting platform’s domain or redirect controls for that behaviour, following its current instructions.
Test four starting addresses
A useful check includes the protocol as well as the hostname.
- The root address over HTTP.
- The root address over HTTPS.
- The www address over HTTP.
- The www address over HTTPS.
- Confirm each reaches the intended secure primary version without a loop or certificate warning.
Keep the rest of the domain intact
Do not remove mail records or change the entire nameserver set simply to make www work. Identify the specific missing record or host configuration first. Save the previous settings in case support needs to understand the change.
Website hostname choices do not require two domain registrations: www is a subdomain of the registered name. A different ending, such as the matching .co.uk and .uk, is a separate registration with a separate renewal cost. Keeping that distinction clear avoids unnecessary purchases.
Prepared with AI-assisted drafting and illustration, then checked against the linked sources and NameUK’s current service. The artwork is conceptual; setup values must come from your own provider.
Further readingCloudflare: DNS CNAME records ↗MDN: redirections in HTTP ↗Let’s Encrypt: getting started ↗NameUK registration and renewal prices ↗Extension rules and provider processes can change. Check the current registrar instructions before a registration, transfer or renewal.
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