Overview
Cloudflare improves website performance and security, but email problems can occur if DNS is misconfigured. The key rule is simple:
Cloudflare can proxy web traffic, but email-related DNS must remain “DNS only”.
Important rule: Email records must be DNS only
In Cloudflare, records can be:
- Proxied (orange cloud): web traffic through Cloudflare
- DNS only (grey cloud): traffic goes directly to your server/provider
Do NOT proxy:
- MX targets
- mail.yourdomain.com
- autodiscover/autoconfig (if used)
- any SMTP/IMAP hostnames
Recommended setup (website on Dprime Hosting)
1) Add domain to Cloudflare and confirm it imported your DNS records.
2) Update nameservers at your registrar to Cloudflare’s nameservers.
3) Set website records:
- @ A → hosting IP (usually proxied if desired)
- www CNAME → @ (usually proxied if desired)
4) Set email records:
- MX records: correct provider (cPanel or third party)
- mail hostnames: DNS only
- SPF/DKIM/DMARC TXT records: present and correct
Cloudflare SSL mode
Avoid “Flexible” mode for professional hosting setups.
Recommended:
- Full or Full (strict) once SSL is installed on the hosting server.
Validation checklist
- Website loads on https://
- Email receives to your mailbox/provider
- Email sends (preferably through SMTP2GO) and lands in inbox
If email breaks after enabling Cloudflare
- Check MX records first
- Confirm mail-related records are not proxied
- Confirm SPF/DKIM/DMARC TXT records still exist
Support request checklist
Provide:
- Domain name
- Confirmation that DNS is on Cloudflare
- Where email is hosted
- Whether SMTP2GO is used for sending
