Enabling Cloudflare on your domain via cPanel is a simple way to improve your website’s performance, security, and reliability. Cloudflare acts as a content delivery network (CDN) and provides protection against DDoS attacks, along with caching to speed up your site.
Follow these steps to enable Cloudflare for your domain through cPanel:
Step 1: Log in to cPanel
- Open your browser and navigate to your cPanel login page (e.g.,
https://yourdomain.com:2083). - Enter your username and password, then click Log in.
Step 2: Access the Cloudflare Tool
- In the Domains section of the cPanel dashboard, look for the Cloudflare option.
- Click on Cloudflare to open the management interface.
Step 3: Create or Log in to Your Cloudflare Account
- If you already have a Cloudflare account:
- Log in with your Cloudflare credentials to link your account.
- If you don’t have an account:
- Follow the on-screen instructions to create a new Cloudflare account.
- Verify your email address if prompted.
Step 4: Select Your Domain
- Once logged in, you’ll see a list of domains available in your cPanel account.
- Locate the domain you want to enable Cloudflare for and click Set Up or Enable.
Step 5: Configure Cloudflare Settings
- Choose the Plan: Select the Cloudflare plan that suits your needs. The free plan is sufficient for most small to medium-sized websites.
- Automatic DNS Configuration:
- Cloudflare will automatically detect your DNS records and configure them.
- Review the DNS settings to ensure all records (e.g., A, CNAME, MX) are correct.
- Enable the Cloudflare Proxy for your domain by clicking the cloud icon next to the DNS records:
- Orange Cloud: Traffic is routed through Cloudflare (enabled).
- Grey Cloud: Traffic bypasses Cloudflare (disabled).
Step 6: Enable Additional Features (Optional)
- Adjust caching levels to optimize website performance.
- Enable Always Online to display a cached version of your website during server outages.
- Set up SSL/TLS encryption for secure connections.
Step 7: Verify the Setup
- Test your website to ensure it loads correctly with Cloudflare enabled.
- Use a DNS propagation checker (e.g., WhatsMyDNS) to verify that your domain is routing through Cloudflare.
Tips for Enabling Cloudflare via cPanel
- Propagation Time: DNS changes can take up to 24-48 hours to propagate globally.
- Email Configuration: Ensure email traffic is not proxied by Cloudflare. Check your MX records and ensure they are not routed through Cloudflare (grey cloud icon).
- Cloudflare Dashboard: For advanced configurations, log in to your Cloudflare account directly at Cloudflare.
By enabling Cloudflare through cPanel, you can enhance your website’s performance and security with minimal effort.
