Getting started with Cloudflare

This guide will help you activate Cloudflare for your website and ensure a smooth setup by following a checklist to verify proper configuration.

Note: The steps outlined below are general guidelines. For more detailed instructions or additional support, please consult Cloudflare’s documentation or contact their support team.

Checklist for Cloudflare Activation

1. Pre-Activation

• Back up your DNS records in case manual reconfiguration is required.
• Ensure your website is functioning properly before activating Cloudflare.

2. Post-Activation

• Check that all essential DNS records are present in Cloudflare.
• Configure the SSL mode (Flexible, Full, or Full (Strict)) under the SSL/TLS tab, If you already have an SSL installed, please set the settings to ‘Full (Strict)’. This will help prevent issues like redirect loops caused by incorrect SSL settings.
• Ensure caching is appropriately configured for your site.
• Check traffic analytics to confirm Cloudflare is working.

3. Optional Steps

• Set up any necessary page rules (e.g. Always Use HTTPS).
• Add security rules to block unwanted traffic.
• Confirm your website is loading properly and check for any mixed content warnings

How to activate Cloudflare

1. Create a Cloudflare Account

1. Visit Cloudflare’s website.
2. Sign up for an account or log in if you already have one.

2. Add your website

1. Once logged in, click Add a Site.
2. Enter your domain name (e.g., example.com.au) and click Add Site.

3. Choose a plan

1. Select the appropriate Cloudflare plan for your needs (Free, Pro, Business, or Enterprise).
2. Click Continue.

4. Review DNS records

1. Cloudflare will scan your existing DNS records.
2. Review the records and ensure all necessary records (A, CNAME, MX, etc.) are included.
3. Add or edit DNS records as needed.
4. Click Continue.

5. Update the nameservers of your domain

1. Cloudflare will provide you with two nameservers (e.g., emma.ns.cloudflare.com and john.ns.cloudflare.com).
2. Log in to your domain registrar’s portal.
3. Replace the current nameservers with the ones provided by Cloudflare.
4. Save the changes.

6. Wait for nameserver propagation

1. Namserver DNS changes may take up to 24 – 48 hours to propagate.
2. You’ll receive an email from Cloudflare once the setup is complete.