How to Set Up Cloudflare for a GoDaddy Domain and Save Costs by Transferring to Cloudflare Registrar

Posted on 15 February 2025

Cloudflare offers a robust suite of security, performance, and DNS management tools that can significantly enhance your website’s reliability.

If you currently have a domain registered with GoDaddy, moving your DNS to Cloudflare can improve speed, security, and even cost-effectiveness.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through setting up Cloudflare for a GoDaddy domain while ensuring you avoid common redirect issues. We’ll also discuss how transferring your domain registration to Cloudflare can save you money, particularly for .co.uk and .com domains.

Table of Contents

Step 1: Add Your GoDaddy Domain to Cloudflare

Click Add a Site and enter your domain name (e.g., example.com). Choose a Cloudflare plan – the free plan is sufficient for most users.

Cloudflare will scan your current DNS records. Review them and ensure they match what’s in GoDaddy.

Step 2: Update Your Nameservers in GoDaddy

Log into GoDaddy (godaddy.com) and go to My Domains.

Click on your domain, then navigate to Manage DNS.

Find the Nameservers section and choose Change.

Select Custom nameservers, then enter the nameservers provided by Cloudflare.

Save your changes – it may take a few hours for propagation.

Step 3: Configure SSL & Caching to Prevent Redirect Issues

Turn Off Flexible SSL and Use Full SSL If you don’t configure SSL correctly, you might face redirect loops or HTTPS issues. To avoid this:

Go to Cloudflare Dashboard → Select your domain.

Navigate to SSL/TLS > Overview. Set SSL/TLS to “Full” or “Full (Strict)” (Avoid using “Flexible” SSL, as it can cause redirect loops).

Disable Caching if Necessary Caching can sometimes interfere with redirects.

If you’re troubleshooting, try disabling caching:

Go to Cloudflare Dashboard → Caching → Configuration.

Click Caching Level and set it to Bypass (you can later enable it selectively).

Clear the cache by selecting Purge Everything.

Your Cloudflare DNS and SSL setup should now be working smoothly.

Save Money by Transferring Your Domain to Cloudflare

GoDaddy charges extra for domain renewals and add-ons like WHOIS privacy. Cloudflare offers domain registration at wholesale prices, meaning you only pay what the registry charges—without hidden fees.

How to Transfer Your .COM or .CO.UK Domain to Cloudflare

Check Eligibility

Cloudflare supports domain transfers for .com and .co.uk.

Your domain must be at least 60 days old and not locked for transfer.

Unlock Your Domain in GoDaddy Log in to GoDaddy.

Go to Domains > Manage > Domain Settings. Find Domain Lock and disable it.

Get the Authorization Code

In GoDaddy, go to Domain Settings → Transfer domain away from GoDaddy. Request an EPP/Authorization Code and note it down.

.co.uk domains

.co.uk domains don’t rely on auth codes, instead you’ll get get a cloudflare IPS tag which you put into GoDaddy instead.

Initiate the Transfer in Cloudflare

In Cloudflare, go to Domains > Transfer Domains.

Enter your domain name, then provide the EPP Code from GoDaddy.

Alternarively if using .co.uk – you should be able to skip the EPP/Auth code.

Confirm the transfer.

Wait for Completion

Domain transfers can take up to 5–7 days. Once complete, Cloudflare will handle your DNS and domain registration, charging you only the wholesale rate. Cost Savings Example Domain Type GoDaddy Renewal (approx.)

Cloudflare Renewal Potential Savings

.com £15–£20/year £8–£10/year ~£7–£10/year .co.uk £10–£15/year £6–£8/year ~£4–£7/year

With Cloudflare, you also get free WHOIS privacy, which GoDaddy often charges extra for. Final Thoughts Moving your domain from GoDaddy to Cloudflare can save you money while improving security and performance.

Just ensure you: ✔ Set SSL to Full or Full (Strict) (avoid Flexible SSL). ✔ Disable or adjust Cloudflare caching to prevent redirect issues. ✔ Transfer your domain to Cloudflare Registrar for lower renewal costs.

By following these steps, you can reduce costs, improve website performance, and eliminate unnecessary fees. Would you like help with any specific issues during your setup? Get in touch today.