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Set up WordPress server but can only access via IP address (not domain name)

Posted on March 29, 2025

Hi there,

I set up a LiteSpeed Cache WordPress server this morning. I followed the steps in the Digital Ocean WordPress set up guide (set up SSL via Let’s Encrypt, forced https rewrite rules, updated the system) and it prompts said my server was ready to go.

I also added the domain to my droplet / server and pointed the DNS to Cloudflare name servers and the IP address.

The final step is to go to the domain and start setting up WordPress, but I only see the Squarespace “coming soon” lander. I’m using Cloudflare, so I point Squarespace to Cloudflare and then Cloudflare points to Digital Ocean (maybe this is causing the issue??).

The odd thing is I can access WordPress installation via the IP address, but not via the domain name. Also, the IP address isn’t secured by SSL (only the domain name).

Any advice? Do I just need to wait for DNS to propagate or cut out Cloudflare until after I’ve set up WordPress?



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Heya,

When did you make this change? Usually, DNS changes take up to 48 hours to take effect.

Additionally, what you can do is just change your Nameservers to Cloudflare and manage your DNS there directly.

Heya, @newdoaccount

Even if DNS is updated correctly, Cloudflare might be caching the old Squarespace page:

Go to Cloudflare → Caching → Purge Everything

Also if the DNS change was recent you can reload or clear local cache and give it another try.

Regards

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