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How to Connect an IONOS Domain to Cloudflare

This tutorial provides a complete walkthrough on how to connect a domain purchased through IONOS to Cloudflare. The process begins with creating or logging into a Cloudflare…

This tutorial provides a complete walkthrough on how to connect a domain purchased through IONOS to Cloudflare. The process begins with creating or logging into a Cloudflare account, entering the domain name without protocols or subdomains, and selecting Cloudflare's free tier. Cloudflare then automatically scans the domain's existing DNS zone records to ensure existing services remain connected. The presenter demonstrates how to update the authoritative nameservers inside the IONOS management console. By navigating to Domains & SSL, accessing the nameserver settings for the target domain, and switching to custom nameservers, the default IONOS nameservers are replaced with the two Cloudflare nameservers provided. The changes are saved to initiate global DNS propagation. Finally, the tutorial covers Cloudflare's Quick Start Guide recommendations to ensure proper security and performance immediately upon connection. Key optimization settings including Automatic HTTPS Rewrites, Always Use HTTPS, Auto Minify for code files, and Brotli compression are configured, leaving the site ready for active status verification.

Section 1: Introduction and Cloudflare Account Setup

Introduction and Cloudflare Account Setup • Adding a Domain and Selecting the Free Plan • Reviewing DNS Records and Retrieving Cloudflare Nameservers

Lesson 1.1: Introduction and Cloudflare Account Setup

  • Cloudflare integrates with any domain registrar, including IONOS.
  • Account registration requires complying with password complexity rules.
  • Existing accounts can proceed directly by logging in.

The tutorial begins by addressing viewer requests regarding connecting IONOS-hosted domains to Cloudflare for CDN and SSL services. To start, navigate to cloudflare.com. New users can click 'Get Started Free' and fill in their email and password according to the password requirements, while existing users can select 'Log in' to access their dashboard.

Practical work

  1. Reproduce the demonstrated step for: Cloudflare integrates with any domain registrar, including IONOS. and verify the result yourself.

Lesson 1.2: Adding a Domain and Selecting the Free Plan

  • Enter only the root domain name (example.com).
  • Select the Free tier at the bottom of the plan selection page.
  • Cloudflare automatically scans and imports existing DNS records.

From the Cloudflare dashboard, click 'Add a Site'. When entering the domain name (for example, btechplaza.com), do not prefix it with 'www' or 'https://'. Submit the site, scroll past the paid tiers (Pro, Business, Enterprise), and select the Free plan ($0). Click Continue to allow Cloudflare to run an automated scan of existing DNS records.

Practical work

  1. Reproduce the demonstrated step for: Enter only the root domain name (example.com). and verify the result yourself.

Lesson 1.3: Reviewing DNS Records and Retrieving Cloudflare Nameservers

  • Review imported DNS records to ensure no crucial mail or web routing records are missing.
  • Cloudflare assigns two specific nameservers (e.g., aisha.ns.cloudflare.com and piotr.ns.cloudflare.com).
  • Keep the Cloudflare tab open to easily copy the assigned nameservers.

After the scan completes, Cloudflare lists the imported DNS records, including A, AAAA, CNAME, and MX records. Users can choose to toggle proxy status on or off during migration or leave them as configured. Clicking Continue presents the two unique Cloudflare nameservers that must replace the registrar's current nameservers.

Practical work

  1. Reproduce the demonstrated step for: Review imported DNS records to ensure no crucial mail or web routing records are missing. and verify the result yourself.

Section 2: Updating Nameservers in IONOS

Updating Nameservers in IONOS • Configuring the Quick Start Guide and Verifying Status

Lesson 2.1: Updating Nameservers in IONOS

  • Access DNS/Nameserver settings via Menu > Domains & SSL in IONOS.
  • Select 'Use custom name servers' to override default IONOS nameservers.
  • Enter the two Cloudflare nameservers into Name Server 1 and Name Server 2 fields and save.

Open a new browser tab, log into ionos.com, and navigate to the dashboard Menu > Domains & SSL. Locate the target domain, click the gear icon (Actions), and select 'Name Server'. Click the 'Use custom name servers' button. Paste the primary and secondary Cloudflare nameservers into the 'Name Server 1' and 'Name Server 2' fields, respectively, leaving optional slots blank. Click Save to apply the changes.

Practical work

  1. Reproduce the demonstrated step for: Access DNS/Nameserver settings via Menu > Domains & SSL in IONOS. and verify the result yourself.

Lesson 2.2: Configuring the Quick Start Guide and Verifying Status

  • Enable Automatic HTTPS Rewrites and Always Use HTTPS for SSL enforcement.
  • Enable Auto Minify and Brotli to enhance web loading speed.
  • Propagation can take up to 24 to 48 hours, transitioning the status to Active once validated.

Return to Cloudflare and click 'Done, check nameservers'. Walk through the Quick Start Guide: enable Automatic HTTPS Rewrites to fix mixed content, turn on 'Always Use HTTPS' to redirect insecure traffic, enable Auto Minify for JavaScript, CSS, and HTML, and ensure Brotli compression is enabled. Finish the guide. The domain dashboard will show 'Pending Nameserver Update' until DNS propagation finishes and the status turns to 'Active'.

Practical work

  1. Reproduce the demonstrated step for: Enable Automatic HTTPS Rewrites and Always Use HTTPS for SSL enforcement. and verify the result yourself.