Step 1: Sign up for a Cloudflare Account

  1. Open your preferred web browser and navigate to the Cloudflare website (https://www.cloudflare.com).
  2. Click on the "Sign Up" button to create a new account.
  3. Follow the registration process, providing the required details such as your email address and password.
  4. Verify your email address to activate your Cloudflare account.

Step 2: Add your Website to Cloudflare

  1. After logging in to your Cloudflare account, click on the "Add a Site" button.
  2. Enter your domain name in the provided field and click "Add Site."
  3. Cloudflare will scan your DNS records and provide a list of DNS configurations. Review and ensure they are correct.
  4. Click the "Continue" button to proceed.

Step 3: Change Your Domain's Nameservers

  1. Cloudflare will display the nameservers you need to use for your domain.
  2. Open a new tab or window and log in to your domain registrar's website.
  3. Locate the DNS or Nameservers settings for your domain.
  4. Replace the existing nameservers with the ones provided by Cloudflare.
  5. Save the changes.

Step 4: Configure Cloudflare DNS Settings

  1. Go back to the Cloudflare dashboard.
  2. Click on the "DNS" tab.
  3. Review the DNS records and ensure they match your website's configuration.
  4. Add or modify DNS records as needed.
  5. Save any changes you make.

Step 5: Verify Cloudflare Integration

  1. Wait for the DNS changes to propagate, which can take up to 24 hours.
  2. To verify the integration, visit your website and check if it is now utilizing Cloudflare's services.
  3. You can also use online DNS lookup tools to confirm that your domain's nameservers have been updated to Cloudflare's nameservers.

Congratulations! You have successfully enabled Cloudflare for your website without using the cPanel plugin. Cloudflare will now protect and optimize your website's performance.

Additional Considerations:

  • Explore Cloudflare's dashboard to access various security, performance, and caching options available for your website.
  • Familiarize yourself with Cloudflare's documentation and available features to make the most of the service.
  • Regularly monitor your Cloudflare account for any updates, notifications, or recommended actions.

Note: If you encounter any issues during the process, it is recommended to consult Cloudflare's support documentation or contact their support team for assistance tailored to your specific situation.