How to Add Your Domain to Cloudflare (Step-by-Step Guide) Print

Cloudflare helps protect your website, improve loading speed, and provide free SSL security. This guide will show you how to add your domain to Cloudflare and connect it properly.

Step 1: Create or Log in to Your Cloudflare Account

1. Visit cloudflare.com

2. Click Sign Up (if you’re new) or Log In

3. Verify your email address if prompted

Step 2: Add Your Domain to Cloudflare

1. After logging in, click “Add a Site”

2. Enter your domain name (e.g. example.com)

3. Click Add Site

⚠️ Do not include http:// or https://

Step 3: Choose a Cloudflare Plan

1. Select the Free Plan (recommended for most websites)

2. Click Continue

You can upgrade later if needed.

Step 4: Review Your DNS Records

Cloudflare will automatically scan your domain’s existing DNS records.

You’ll typically see:

• A record (your website IP address)

• CNAME records (www, mail, etc.)

Important:

• Ensure your A record IP matches your hosting server IP

• If your site is hosted with Hostwatt, use the IP provided in your hosting details

Click Continue once confirmed.

Step 5: Update Your Domain Nameservers

Cloudflare will provide two nameservers, for example:

enilo.cloudflare.com
markins.cloudflare.com

Now update nameservers at your domain registrar:

1. Log in to your domain registrar

2. Locate Nameserver / DNS Management

3. Replace existing nameservers with the Cloudflare nameservers

4. Save changes

⚠️ DNS propagation can take up to 24 hours (usually much faster).

Step 6: Confirm Nameserver Update

1. Return to Cloudflare

2. Click Done, Check Nameservers

Cloudflare will automatically detect when the nameservers are active.

Step 7: Enable SSL (Recommended)

Once activated:

1. Go to SSL/TLS in Cloudflare dashboard

2. Set SSL mode to Full or Full (Strict)
   (Full is recommended if you already have SSL from Hostwatt)

Step 8: Enable Performance & Security Features (Optional)

You can now:

• Enable Auto Minify

• Enable Brotli Compression

• Enable Firewall protection

• Enable Always Use HTTPS

These improve speed and security.

Final Notes

• Your website will continue to work normally

• Cloudflare may take a few minutes to fully activate

• DNS changes are global and may take time to propagate

Need Help?

If your website does not load after setup or you’re unsure about DNS records, please contact Hostwatt Support and include:

• Your domain name

• Screenshot of your Cloudflare DNS page

We’ll be happy to assist you ????