How to modify the nameservers of Cloudflare domains

If your domain is registered with Cloudflare Registrar, you cannot change the nameservers to anything other than Cloudflare’s nameservers. Cloudflare Registrar enforces the use of its own nameservers for domains registered with them.

Here’s why and what your options are:

Why you can’t change nameservers (when using Cloudflare Registrar):

Cloudflare’s Terms of Service:

Cloudflare’s Domain Registration Agreement specifies that domains registered with them must use Cloudflare’s nameservers, according to the Cloudflare Community.

Simplified Setup:

Cloudflare simplifies the setup process for new users by automatically assigning their nameservers, according to a Reddit user.
Focus on Cloudflare’s Services:

Cloudflare registrar is designed to integrate with their other services, like DNS and CDN, and using their nameservers ensures proper functionality.

What you can do if you need to use different nameservers:

1. Transfer your domain to a different registrar:

If you need to use nameservers other than Cloudflare’s, you’ll need to transfer your domain registration to another registrar.

2. Configure DNS records within Cloudflare:

If you want to use a different DNS provider but still use Cloudflare for other services, you can still configure your DNS records directly within Cloudflare. This involves creating the necessary records (A, CNAME, etc.) to point your domain to your desired web host or service.

3. Finally, if you are merely attempting to link your hosting from a different company to Cloudflare, the best approach is not to transfer your domain but to update the IP address to the hosting IP. This will function automatically without the need to alter the nameserver.

If you require assistance, please feel free to contact us for further information.

In short, if you need to change nameservers and you’re using Cloudflare as your registrar, you’ll need to transfer your domain to a different registrar that allows you to manage nameservers separately.