How to Setup Cloudflare for DNS: A Step-by-Step Guide

DNS stands for Domain Name System. It is a hierarchical and decentralized naming system used to translate human-readable domain names (like www.example.com) into numerical IP addresses (like 192.0.2.1) that computers use to identify each other on the network. Essentially, DNS acts as the phone book of the internet, enabling users to access websites using easy-to-remember domain names instead of having to memorize complex IP addresses. 

Cloudflare has a large, globally distributed network of data centers which helps to reduce the time it takes for DNS queries to be resolved, making websites load faster for users.  We love cloudflare for the speed it takes to propagate dns records which would take upto 72 hours using normal DNS. Using cloudflare DNS service, our domain's DNS records are highlighted almost instantly. In this guide we will learn how to setup Cloudflare DNS for your domain. 

Why Use Cloudflare for DNS?

Cloudflare is more than just a DNS service provider. It offers numerous benefits including:

• Speed: Cloudflare’s globally distributed network reduces DNS query times, resulting in faster website load times.
• Security: With features like DNSSEC and protection against DDoS attacks, Cloudflare significantly enhances your website’s security.
• Reliability: Cloudflare’s robust infrastructure ensures high availability and reliability for your DNS services.
• Ease of Use: A user-friendly interface makes managing DNS records straightforward and hassle-free.

Step-by-Step Guide to Setting Up Cloudflare for DNS

Step 1: Sign Up for a Cloudflare Account

Begin by creating a free account on Cloudflare’s website. If you already have an account, simply log in.

Step 2: Add Your Website

Once logged in, click on the “Add a Site” button. Enter your domain name and click “Add Site.” Cloudflare will scan your current DNS records and display them for you. Then you will be prompted to select a plan. Free plan is okay to use so we will go forward with the free plan.

Step 3: Review and Confirm DNS Records

After you select free plan and click next, you will be forwarded to DNS Section where you can add DNS records for your domain. Review the DNS records that Cloudflare has scanned. Ensure that all your current DNS records (A, CNAME, MX, TXT, etc.) are accurately listed. Make any necessary adjustments and confirm the records. HEre are some records that you may want to know: 

1. A Record (Address Record):

   • Purpose: Maps a domain name to an IPv4 address.
   • Example: example.com -> 192.0.2.1

2. AAAA Record (IPv6 Address Record):

   • Purpose: Maps a domain name to an IPv6 address.
   • Example: example.com -> 2001:0db8:85a3:0000:0000:8a2e:0370:7334

3. CNAME Record (Canonical Name Record):

   • Purpose: Aliases one domain name to another. Used for subdomains.
   • Example: www.example.com -> example.com

4. MX Record (Mail Exchange Record):

   • Purpose: Directs email to a mail server. Specifies mail servers for a domain and their priority.
   • Example: example.com -> mail.example.com (priority 10)

5. TXT Record (Text Record):

   • Purpose: Stores text information. Often used for verification purposes and to configure email security measures such as SPF, DKIM, and DMARC.
   • Example: example.com -> "v=spf1 include:_spf.example.com ~all"

6. SRV Record (Service Record):

   • Purpose: Specifies information about available services. Used to define the location of servers for specified services.
   • Example: _sip._tcp.example.com -> 10 5 5060 sipserver.example.com

7. NS Record (Name Server Record):

   • Purpose: Specifies the authoritative name servers for a domain.
   • Example: example.com -> ns1.example.com

8. PTR Record (Pointer Record):

   • Purpose: Maps an IP address to a domain name. Used for reverse DNS lookups.
   • Example: 192.0.2.1 -> example.com

9. SOA Record (Start of Authority Record):

   • Purpose: Provides essential information about the DNS zone, including the primary name server, email of the domain administrator, domain serial number, and timers.
   • Example: example.com -> Primary NS: ns1.example.com, Admin: [email protected]

10. CAA Record (Certification Authority Authorization Record):

    • Purpose: Specifies which certificate authorities (CAs) are allowed to issue certificates for a domain.
    • Example: example.com -> 0 issue "letsencrypt.org"

11. NAPTR Record (Naming Authority Pointer Record):

    • Purpose: Provides support for regular expression-based rewriting of domain names, often used in conjunction with SRV records.
    • Example: example.com -> "100 50 "s" "SIP+D2U" "" _sip._udp.example.com"

Understanding these DNS record types is crucial for effectively managing a domain and ensuring that it functions correctly for your website, email, and other internet services.

Tip: You have to keep proxy option on for most of the time. It ensures cloudflare works as expected and protects your website. 

Step 6: Change Your Nameservers 

Once you add DNS records and proceed, you will be prompted to use cloudflare nameservers for your domain. This is the main step as this step links your domain with cloudflare. To do this, you will need to go to your domain dashboard. For example, I use namecheap to buy domains, then I will go to namecheap dashboard. On Your domain name, click manage , go to nameservers, and select Custom DNS from the dropdown. You will be promoted to fill some records and fill exactly what cloudflare assigns you.  For me its: 

addilyn.ns.cloudflare.com and todd.ns.cloudflare.com

Step 7: Enable Additional Features

Explore Cloudflare’s dashboard to enable additional features like:

• SSL/TLS: Secure your website with HTTPS.
• Page Rules: Create rules to control how Cloudflare handles traffic to your site.
• Firewall Rules: Set up custom firewall rules to block malicious traffic.

It can take upto 24 hours to propagate your DNS records for first time. Later, it will be a lot faster once you move to cloudflare.  

Step 8: Monitor and Maintain

Use Cloudflare’s analytics and insights to monitor your website’s traffic and performance. Regularly review and update your DNS records and settings to ensure optimal performance and security.

Conclusion

Setting up Cloudflare for DNS is a straightforward process that can significantly improve your website’s performance, security, and reliability. By following this step-by-step guide, you’ll be able to leverage Cloudflare’s powerful features to enhance your online presence. Start today and experience the benefits of a faster, more secure, and more reliable website.