To add a domain to Cloudflare, you need to follow these steps:

  1. Sign up for a Cloudflare account: If you haven't already, go to the Cloudflare website (https://www.cloudflare.com/) and sign up for an account. You'll need to provide your email address and set a password.

  2. Add your domain to Cloudflare: After logging in to your Cloudflare account, click on the "Add a Site" button on the Cloudflare dashboard.

  3. Enter your domain name: In the pop-up window, enter your domain name (e.g., example.com) and click the "Add Site" button.

  4. Select a plan: Cloudflare offers various plans, including a free plan. Choose the plan that suits your needs and click "Confirm Plan."

  5. Verify your DNS records: Cloudflare will attempt to scan your existing DNS records to import them automatically. Ensure that all the necessary DNS records for your domain are displayed correctly. You can also manually add or modify DNS records if needed.

  6. Update your domain's nameservers: Cloudflare will provide you with two nameservers (e.g., dara.ns.cloudflare.com and derek.ns.cloudflare.com). You need to update your domain's nameservers at your domain registrar to point to the Cloudflare nameservers. This step is crucial for routing your website traffic through Cloudflare's network.

  7. Wait for DNS propagation: Once you've updated your domain's nameservers, you'll need to wait for DNS propagation to complete. This process can take some time, usually up to 24 hours, but it often happens much faster.

  8. Configure additional settings (optional): After the DNS propagation is complete, you can explore and configure various settings within the Cloudflare dashboard. This includes options like SSL/TLS encryption, caching, firewall rules, and more.

That's it! Your domain is now added to Cloudflare, and its traffic will be routed through their network, benefiting from their CDN (Content Delivery Network) and security features. Remember to check your website's functionality to ensure everything is working as expected after making these changes.