> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.clouduxe.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.clouduxe.com/domain-names/how-to-use-cloudflare-on-your-domain.md).

# How to Use Cloudflare on Your Domain

Cloudflare is a powerful CDN (Content Delivery Network) that enhances your website's security, speed, and reliability. It can make your website load twice as fast while providing excellent DNS management, even for standalone domains without hosting.

### Steps to Sign Up for Cloudflare

1. **Sign Up for Cloudflare**
   * Visit the [Cloudflare website](https://www.cloudflare.com).
   * Fill out your email and password, then accept Cloudflare's Terms and Conditions.
   * Click on the **Signup** button to create your Cloudflare account.

{% hint style="info" %}
Use a strong password to enhance your account security.
{% endhint %}

2. **Link Your Domain**
   * After signing up, click on the **Domains** icon.
   * Select the domain you wish to activate with Cloudflare.
   * Click on the **Provision domain with CNAME setup** button.
3. **Check Activation Status**
   * Once the setup is complete, your domain should show an **Active** status.
   * You will see an orange cloud icon next to your domain name entries, indicating that Cloudflare is active.

{% hint style="success" %}
The orange cloud means your domain is protected and optimized by Cloudflare.
{% endhint %}

4. **Activate Subdomains**
   * To route other subdomains through the Cloudflare network, click on the grey cloud icon next to the desired subdomain to turn it orange.

### Important Configuration

* **Redirect Traffic**: Since Cloudflare only changes the CNAME record of the `www` subdomain, you will need to set up a redirect from `mysite.com` to `www.mysite.com` to ensure all traffic is routed correctly.

{% hint style="warning" %}
Failing to redirect traffic may lead to accessibility issues for users visiting your site without the `www` prefix.
{% endhint %}