Enable HTTP for Azure website configuration.

Question

I want to use HTTP exclusively with my custom domain on Azure. Azure, by default, redirects all HTTP traffic to HTTPS, but I currently don't need HTTPS. I'm on the D1 plan and would prefer to stick to it for now. Could you assist me in enabling HTTP without upgrading? I tried creating the App Services service, it is not assigning the certificate.

Answer 1

Hi Aditi Shewale,

Azure App Service enforces HTTPS redirection by default for custom domains, and on the D1 plan.

Workaround:

Azure Front Door (AFD) is a global load balancer that can be used to route traffic to your Azure App Service while allowing HTTP access.

1. Start by logging into the Azure Portal, then search for "Front Door and CDN profiles" in the search bar. Click Create and select Azure Front Door (Classic) as the deployment option. In the setup wizard, enter a suitable resource group and a Front Door profile name (e.g., your-app-frontdoor). Ensure the correct Azure subscription is selected, then proceed by clicking Next: Configuration.
2. Once the profile is created, add a new Frontend Host by clicking "Add a frontend host". Enter your custom domain and confirm the addition. Next, create a Backend Pool by clicking "Add a backend pool", then name it something recognizable like your-app-backend. Choose App Service as the backend type and select your Azure App Service from the list. Click Add to save the configuration.
3. Now, set up a Routing Rule by clicking "Add a routing rule". Give it a meaningful name like http-to-appservice, then select your newly created frontend host and backend pool. Under Accepted Protocols, make sure both HTTP and HTTPS are checked, and disable the default option to redirect HTTP to HTTPS. Finally, click Add to apply the rule.
4. After configuring Front Door, navigate to the Overview section of your Front Door instance. You will see a CNAME value that needs to be added to your domain’s DNS settings. Go to your domain registrar’s DNS settings (such as GoDaddy, Namecheap, or Cloudflare) and create a CNAME record pointing your domain (@) to the Front Door CNAME value (your-frontdoor.azurefd.net). Set the TTL (Time-To-Live) value to Automatic or 1 hour and save the changes.
5. After making the DNS changes, allow some time (usually 5–10 minutes) for propagation. Once the changes are active, try accessing http://yourdomain.com from a web browser. If everything is set up correctly, the request will go through Azure Front Door and successfully reach your App Service without being forced to HTTPS.

for reference- https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/frontdoor/create-front-door-portal?tabs=quick

If you have any further assistant, do let me know.