Troubleshooting AWS SSL Certificate Issue: domain.com opens, but www.domain.com doesn't

 Introduction:

SSL certificates are essential for securing online interactions between users and websites. However, encountering errors where "domain.com" loads fine but "www.domain.com" does not can be frustrating. In this guide, we'll address this common issue and provide clear steps to resolve it by adding a CNAME record for "www" in AWS Route 53.

Understanding the Issue:

When users face SSL certificate errors or insecure connection messages specifically when accessing "www.domain.com" but not "domain.com," it often indicates misconfigurations in SSL certificates or DNS settings.

Probable Causes:

SSL Certificate Configuration: The SSL certificate might not cover "www.domain.com" as an alternative name.

DNS Misconfiguration: The CNAME record for "www.domain.com" might not be correctly configured in AWS Route 53.

Solution: Add a CNAME Record for www in AWS Route 53

Step 1: Access AWS Route 53 Console:

Log in to your AWS Management Console.

Navigate to the Route 53 service.

Step 2: Locate Hosted Zone:

Find the hosted zone corresponding to your domain name.

Step 3: Add CNAME Record:

If there is no existing CNAME record for "www," create a new one.

Click on "Create Record Set."

Set the name to "www" and choose CNAME as the type.

Specify the desired value for the "Alias" field, typically the domain or endpoint you want "www.domain.com" to point to.

Save the changes.

Step 4: Validate Changes:

DNS changes may take time to propagate globally. Be patient.

Wait for the changes to propagate, which usually takes a few minutes to several hours.

Test access to "www.domain.com" in a web browser to ensure it loads properly without SSL certificate errors.

Conclusion:

By adding a CNAME record for "www" in AWS Route 53 and pointing it to the appropriate domain or endpoint, you can resolve SSL certificate issues preventing access to this subdomain. This ensures that both "domain.com" and "www.domain.com" are accessible over HTTPS with a valid SSL certificate.

Ensuring proper SSL certificate configuration and DNS settings is essential for providing a seamless and secure browsing experience for your website visitors, thereby enhancing trust and credibility in your online presence.

Always refer to official documentation or seek assistance from experienced professionals if you encounter difficulties in resolving SSL certificate or DNS-related issues.