Cloudflare allows you to have full control over your domain and DNS records. In order to use Cloudflare, you will need to update your nameservers and copy all your current DNS records into Cloudflare. This is especially important if you have a business email account such as Google Workspace or Outlook.
If you are using a different domain service, C-panel or anything else besides Google Domains, Namecheap, Blue Host or GoDaddy, we recommend that you use CloudFlare. It allows you to have complete control over your domains without any interruptions in your website. Here is a step-by-step guide to setting up CloudFlare for your domains.
Step 1: Sign Up for a Free Account:
Go to the CloudFlare website and sign up for a free account. Add your email and create a password, and then select sign up. You do not need to check any box unless you want to.
Step 2: Navigate to Websites:
Once you sign up and verify your email address, navigate to the websites section. You will see your dashboard, and you can select add site.
Step 3: Select the Free Plan:
You will be asked to choose a plan. Select the free plan and continue. Your records will be scanned, and some of them might be imported. You can see these records on the screen.
Step 4: Turn Off Proxy:
Make sure to turn off proxy to ensure that you have complete control over your domains. CloudFlare might have added a few records, but you will need to copy the rest.
Step 5: Add DNS Records:
Add your DNS records with the proxy off and click save. If you are using regular webmail, your records might look different. However, you don't need to set up a sub domain. You are creating that SubD domain automatically when you change the name here.
Step 6: Change Your Name Server:
To change your name server, you will need to go to your domain area and select the option for name servers. Select custom and copy the two records that appear. They usually have a name before them, and then it says something like likes.cloudflare.com. Click okay and wait up to 72 hours for the changes to take effect.
Step 7: Check Your Name Servers:
Once the changes have been made, click done, check name servers, and then get started. You do not need to turn on any of the settings at this point. Leave the settings as they are and click finish.
CloudFlare is a great tool to use for your domains. It provides you with complete control and ensures that your website runs smoothly. Once you have set up CloudFlare, come back in the next 24 hours and select check name servers. If you experience any issues, don't hesitate to contact us for assistance.