--- title: "How to Set Up Cloudflare with InMotion Hosting" description: "Cloudflare is a global content delivery network (CDN), security, and performance platform that protects and speeds up websites. It acts as a reverse proxy, routing traffic through its network for..." url: https://www.inmotionhosting.com/support/website/cloudflare/setting-up-cloudflare/ date: 2026-05-15 modified: 2026-06-26 author: "Carrie Smaha" categories: ["Cloudflare"] type: post lang: en --- # How to Set Up Cloudflare with InMotion Hosting ![How to Set Up Cloudflare - Hero Image](https://www.inmotionhosting.com/support/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/How-to-Set-Up-Cloudflare-1024x538.png) **Cloudflare is a global content delivery network (CDN)**, security, and performance platform that protects and speeds up websites. It acts as a reverse proxy, routing traffic through its network for DDoS protection, WAF (Web Application Firewall), caching, and more. This guide walks you through a **full nameserver setup** (the most common method), which is fully compatible with InMotion Hosting shared, VPS, or dedicated plans. Always refer to [Cloudflare’s official documentation](https://developers.cloudflare.com/) for the latest interface details, as dashboards evolve. ### Prerequisites - An active Cloudflare account (free plan is sufficient for most users). - Access to your domain’s nameserver settings (either in InMotion’s Account Management Panel (AMP) if registered there, or at your domain registrar). - Backup your current DNS records from cPanel’s Zone Editor. - InMotion’s AutoSSL (or another valid SSL certificate) installed on your hosting account. **Note**: DNS changes, especially nameserver updates, can take 24–48 hours to propagate fully. ## Step-by-Step: Setting Up Cloudflare 1. **Log in to the Cloudflare Dashboard**. Go to [dash.cloudflare.com](https://dash.cloudflare.com) and sign in. 2. **Onboard Your Domain** - From the homepage or Domains section, select **Onboard a domain** (or **Add a site** / **Add domain**). - Enter your apex domain (e.g., example.com) and continue. - Cloudflare will scan for existing DNS records. Review them carefully. 3. **Note Your Cloudflare Nameservers** Cloudflare will assign two custom nameservers (e.g., ns1.cloudflare.com and ns2.cloudflare.com). Write them down exactly. These replace your current nameservers. 4. **Update Nameservers at Your Registrar** - If your domain is registered with InMotion, log into the **Account Management Panel (AMP)** and update the nameservers there. - If registered elsewhere (GoDaddy, Namecheap, etc.), log into that registrar’s control panel and replace the existing nameservers with Cloudflare’s. - Save changes. Do **not** add Cloudflare nameservers as records inside your old DNS — replace them at the registrar level. 5. **Confirm in Cloudflare** Once updated, return to Cloudflare. It will automatically detect the change (or click the confirmation button). You’ll see a success message when your domain becomes active. Your basic setup is now complete. Cloudflare is proxying traffic (orange cloud icon on DNS records). ### SSL/TLS Configuration (Critical for Security) For end-to-end encryption: - Go to **SSL/TLS → Overview**. - Set the encryption mode to **Full (strict)**. This is the recommended and most secure option. It requires a valid SSL certificate on your InMotion server (AutoSSL works perfectly). **Avoid** Flexible mode (only encrypts visitor-to-Cloudflare traffic) as it is less secure and can cause redirect issues. **Tip**: If you encounter mixed-content or redirect loops, ensure your WordPress/site settings force HTTPS and clear caches. ### DNS Settings After Switching Since Cloudflare now handles your DNS, you must recreate important records: 1. In Cloudflare, go to **DNS → Records**. 2. Add or import records from your old cPanel Zone Editor: - **A or AAAA records** for your website (point to InMotion server IP) → Proxy enabled (orange cloud). - **MX records** for email → Usually **DNS-only** (gray cloud) so email bypasses Cloudflare. - **CNAME** for subdomains (e.g., www) → Proxy as needed. - SPF, DKIM, DMARC records for email deliverability. Common recommendation: Keep web traffic proxied and email records unproxied. ### Recommended Cloudflare Settings - **Security**: Enable **Bot Fight Mode** (free) or the WAF. Use **I’m Under Attack** mode only during active attacks. - **Performance**: Enable caching, Polish (image optimization), and Brotli compression. - **DNS**: Enable DNSSEC in Cloudflare after setup (disable it first at your old registrar if enabled). - **Advanced**: Consider Tiered Cache or Origin Shield for high-traffic sites. ### How to Disable or Pause Cloudflare **Temporary Pause** (recommended for testing): - Go to your domain → **Overview**. - Scroll to **Advanced Actions** → **Pause Cloudflare on Site**. **Permanent Removal**: - Change your nameservers back to InMotion’s (or your previous provider) at the registrar. - Remove the domain from Cloudflare if desired. ### Troubleshooting Tips - **Propagation delays**: Use [whatsmydns.net](https://www.whatsmydns.net) to check nameserver changes. - **Email issues**: Ensure MX records are DNS-only. - **Too many redirects**: Switch to Full (strict) SSL and force HTTPS on your site. - **Slow performance**: Clear Cloudflare cache and review Page Rules / Cache Rules. For InMotion-specific help (e.g., finding your server IP or AutoSSL), contact InMotion support. For Cloudflare features, use their support or community. **Leave the Technical Heavy Lifting to Us** Whether you need server tweaks, security updates, or scalability support, our sysadmin team has you covered. Get support that matches your business needs and keeps your site running strong. [Explore InMotion Solutions Plans](https://www.inmotionhosting.com/solutions/inmotion-solutions?mktgp=t&irgwc=1&affiliates=5001860&utm_campaign=Jumbotron&utm_source=supportcenter&utm_medium=cta&utm_term=managed-hosting-cta2)