When you switch to or use Cloudflare, it is important that you have the correct settings such that your website stays online during the switch. Below we briefly go over how Cloudflare works and what steps you need to take for a smooth transition.
Cloudflare works as an intermediate layer between your website and visitors. Normally, your DNS server sends visitors directly to your Web server. A DNS server is actually a pass-through station that links domain names to servers. When you use Cloudflare, you replace your DNS server with Cloudflare's. Cloudflare still directs the visitor to your Web server, but first performs its own optimizations and checks.
Cloudflare setup
- Create an account with Cloudflare (https://www.cloudflare.com/plans/).
- Copy the current DNS Zone into Cloudflare (documentation).
- Make sure the SSL/TLS settings are at least set to Full.
- Change the nameservers to those of Cloudflare (Managing the nameservers of your domain; Nameservers Cloudflare).
- After 4 hours at the latest the Cloudflare DNS Zone will be active, please check the website settings and if the email is still working. You will now have to make any DNS changes at Cloudflare, our DNS Zone is no longer active when the nameservers are changed.
Troubleshooting
Default Plesk page / SSL Certificate
After adjusting the nameservers, I get to see the default Plesk page
One of the biggest reasons for the default web page is if in Cloudflare the SSL/TLS encryption is not set to Full (see image at Cloudflare setup). The other option to solve this is to disable the option Forward from http to https in the SSL Certificate in Plesk (see below). However, we recommend keeping this option enabled and making the adjustment at Cloudflare.
If you need some help, you can always reach our support desk by email support@cloud86.io and on weekdays from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm you can also reach us by phone and via the chat in My Cloud86.