Stripe Webhook Endpoint Returns 404 Despite Correct Configuration

Below is a troubleshooting guide that aligns with the Stripe documentation and best practices for resolving persistent 404 errors on webhook endpoints:

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1. Verify the Endpoint URL and Routing

• Double-check the URL:
  Even a small typo or a missing path segment (or an extra trailing slash) could cause a 404 error. Verify that the URL in your Stripe webhook configuration exactly matches the route your server is set up to handle.

• Routing on Your Server:
  Ensure that your server’s routing or reverse proxy configuration (e.g., Nginx, Apache) isn’t inadvertently redirecting or filtering incoming POST requests to the webhook endpoint. A common issue is that some servers are configured to serve only GET routes by default unless explicitly set up to listen for POST requests.

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2. Confirm Public Accessibility and DNS/SSL Health

• DNS Propagation:
  Although you mentioned that your server is publicly accessible, it’s worth checking that there are no lingering DNS propagation issues. Tools like MXToolBox DNS Lookup can help ensure the DNS resolution is consistent and correct from multiple locations.

• SSL/TLS Certificate:
  Ensure that your SSL certificate is valid and the certificate chain is complete. Incomplete TLS chains can sometimes lead to connectivity issues even when a tool like curl returns a success. Test your endpoint with solutions such as the SSL Labs' SSL Server Test for a full analysis.

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3. Check for Network-Level Blocks

• Firewall and IP Allow Lists:
  Since your server works with local testing and Stripe CLI, it’s possible that Apple’s or your hosting provider’s firewall settings are blocking requests from Stripe’s IP addresses. Stripe suggests verifying that the IP addresses they use for webhook notifications have been whitelisted. More details can be found in the Stripe IPs documentation.

• Reverse Proxy / Load Balancer Configurations:
  If you are using a reverse proxy or load balancer, verify that all routes forward incoming POST requests to your correct webhook endpoint without any intervention.

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4. Review Stripe Dashboard Logs

• Webhook Delivery Logs:
  In the Stripe Dashboard, navigate to the Webhooks section, select the endpoint in question, and open the “Failed” tab. Review the delivery attempts. The logs here will show the HTTP status codes and provide hints on why the requests might not be reaching your server.

  • If you see that Stripe is indeed attempting delivery (with a 404 response), that confirms the request is reaching your service infrastructure but returning 404 because of a server-side routing issue.
  • If no requests appear, it could indicate that the webhook endpoint’s URL isn’t properly registered or there's an external blocker at the network level.

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5. Additional Debugging Techniques

• Temporary Endpoint for Testing:
  Try setting up a simplified endpoint on a different path (or even a third-party service like RequestBin) to see if Stripe is able to hit it. This can help isolate if the issue is specific to your server’s configuration versus a misconfigured Stripe webhook entry.

• Enhanced Server Logging:
  Increase your logging detail temporarily to capture low-level network or routing errors. Sometimes middleware or framework-specific errors (like security modules) can generate a 404 before your application code even runs.

• Use Stripe Shell / CLI Commands:
  Since your local testing via the Stripe CLI is working, try triggering events using the CLI in a production-like environment to see if any detailed log output stands out:

  BASHCopied
  stripe trigger <event_name>

  Such direct testing can sometimes reveal subtle differences in how events are sent live versus via CLI.

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Summary

The 404 error from your webhook endpoint typically indicates that while the request is reaching your server setup, the expected route is not being handled correctly. Given that:

• Your server is publicly accessible,
• Curl tests confirm the endpoint responds as expected, and
• No Stripe requests are seen in your logs (suggesting they’re either not reaching your application or the wrong route is being hit),

It’s likely that the issue lies with either an incorrect webhook URL routing configuration or a network-level blockage (possibly from firewall or IP restrictions).

Double-check your endpoint path, examine your server and proxy routing rules, verify firewall settings (including whitelisting Stripe’s IPs), and consult the webhook delivery logs in your Dashboard for the HTTP status details.

Following these steps should help you narrow down the root cause without needing to switch providers.

Hope this helps get your Stripe webhook integration working as expected!