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Cloudflare Setup for Domains

Connect your domain to Cloudflare to enable DNS management, improve security, activate SSL, and optimize performance.

Updated over 2 months ago

Step 1: Create and Access Your Cloudflare Account

  1. Go to Cloudflare and create an account if you do not already have one.

  2. Log in to your Cloudflare dashboard.

  3. Click + Add a Site.

  4. Enter your domain name (example: example.com).

  5. Click Add Site.

  6. Choose a plan.

    • You can scroll to the bottom and select the Free plan.

  7. Click Continue.

Step 2: Review DNS Records and Update Nameservers

  1. Cloudflare will automatically scan for existing DNS records.

  2. Review the detected records carefully.

    • Ensure important records such as MX (email) and CNAME entries are present.

  3. Click Continue to proceed to nameserver setup.

Step 3: Change Nameservers at Your Domain Registrar

  1. Cloudflare will display the nameservers you must use.

  2. Log in to your domain registrar (for example, GoDaddy or Namecheap).

  3. Replace the existing nameservers with the Cloudflare-provided nameservers.

Important:

  • Pointing your domain to Cloudflare’s nameservers is mandatory.

  • If this step is skipped, Cloudflare cannot manage DNS, SSL, or security settings.

  1. Return to Cloudflare.

  2. Click Done, Check Nameservers.

Step 4: Complete Cloudflare Quick Start Setup

  1. Follow the Cloudflare Quick Start Guide.

  2. Enable recommended security and performance settings.

  3. Wait for nameserver changes to propagate.

Once nameservers are correctly updated at the registrar, Cloudflare will activate automatically.

Migration to Cloudflare for Branded Domains

Kyrios now uses Cloudflare for branded domain connections.

This migration provides:

  • Improved security and DDoS protection

  • Automatic SSL certificate generation and renewal

  • Faster DNS resolution and site performance

How to Switch Branded Domains to Cloudflare

New Branded Domains

New branded domains are automatically added using the domain connect flow.

If adding manually:

  • Create a new CNAME record pointing to:

    • brand.ludicrous.cloud

Existing Branded Domains

  1. Go to Location Settings > General Information.

  2. Remove the existing branded domain.

  3. Save changes.

  4. Re-add the same domain using:

    • Domain connect flow, or

    • Manual connection flow

  5. Save the updated settings.

This completes the migration to Cloudflare.

Common Issues and Fixes

  • Site not active after setup

    • Confirm nameservers are correctly set at the registrar.

  • Email stops working

    • Verify MX records exist in Cloudflare DNS settings.

  • SSL not showing active

    • Allow time for nameserver propagation and SSL provisioning.

  • DNS records missing

    • Manually re-add required records if they were not detected during the scan.

FAQ

Can I add multiple domains to my Cloudflare account?

Yes. You can add multiple domains by repeating the Add a Site process for each domain.

What happens if I don’t update the nameservers correctly?

Cloudflare will not be able to manage DNS, security, or performance until the nameservers are updated. This step is required.

How long does nameserver propagation take?

Propagation can take anywhere from a few minutes up to 48 hours, depending on the registrar.

Do I need a paid Cloudflare plan?

No. The Free plan is sufficient for basic security, SSL, and performance features.

Will migrating to Cloudflare affect my DNS or email services?

Cloudflare scans existing DNS records automatically. You should still verify that MX and critical CNAME records are present to avoid service disruption.

Do I need to manually configure DNS when migrating branded domains?

Sometimes. New branded domains may require a manual CNAME (brand.ludicrous.cloud). Existing branded domains must be removed and re-added.

Can I manage multiple domains from one Cloudflare dashboard?

Yes. Each domain appears separately and can be managed independently.

What happens if I delete MX records in Cloudflare?

Email will stop working. Cloudflare does not host email; it only routes traffic. Always confirm MX records remain intact.

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