Understand how to update nameservers at your domain registrar to successfully activate Cloudflare.
This article formerly appeared under the title Step 3: Change your domain nameservers to Cloudflare.
Overview
To route web traffic through the Cloudflare network, update the nameservers at your domain registrar to resolve your domain’s DNS with Cloudflare's nameservers.
To start:
- Enter your domain at ICANN WHOIS if you are unsure of the registrar. Note the value of the Registrar field:
- Log into the administrator account for your domain registrar.
- Replace the current nameserver records in your registrar account with your domain’s Cloudflare nameservers. Allow up to 72 hours for nameserver changes to globally propagate.
Contact your registrar's support center for the most accurate information. See below for instructions on changing nameservers at popular registrars:
- Refresh the Cloudflare Overview app. If Complete your nameserver setup still appears, Perform the following steps:
- Ensure the ICANN WHOIS Name Server output correctly spells the Cloudflare nameservers and confirm Cloudflare's nameservers are the only nameservers listed.
- If the ICANN WHOIS Name Server output is correct, click the Re-check now button in the Cloudflare Overview app.
- If Complete your nameserver setup no longer appears in the Cloudflare Overview app, you have successfully updated your registrar nameservers and your domain is active at Cloudflare.
Once your domain is active on Cloudflare, review our best practices for active Cloudflare domains.
If you run into issues, refer to our Troubleshooting FAQ for new Cloudflare customers.