# Set up your custom domain with Cloudflare

_Category: Domain, access and SEO_

If your domain's DNS is managed in Cloudflare, one CNAME record puts your help center on your own address, like help.example.com. The setting that matters most: the record must be **DNS only**, not proxied.

**Who can do this:** Owners and Admins, with access to your Cloudflare account · **Plans:** All plans

## Before you start

Add your domain in HelpCenter.io first. Go to **Settings** → **Custom domain**, type the address you want, for example `help.example.com`, and click **Apply**. The card then shows the record to create, including its value: your help center's current address, like `yourname.helpcenter.io`. See [Use your own domain](https://self.helpcenter.io/content/custom-domain) for the full walkthrough.

## Add the record in Cloudflare

1. Sign in to the Cloudflare dashboard and select your domain.
2. Go to **DNS** → **Records**.
3. Click **Add record**.
4. For **Type**, choose **CNAME**.
5. For **Name**, enter the subdomain you want, for example `help`. Cloudflare adds your domain for you.
6. For **Target**, enter your help center's address from the card, for example `yourname.helpcenter.io`.
7. Switch **Proxy status** off, so it shows **DNS only** with a grey cloud.
8. Leave **TTL** on **Auto** and click **Save**.

**Keep the record on DNS only.** With the proxy on (orange cloud), Cloudflare answers with its own addresses and hides your CNAME record. HelpCenter.io then can't verify your domain or issue its SSL certificate.

## Verify the domain in HelpCenter.io

1. Go back to **Settings** → **Custom domain**.
2. Click **Verify DNS**.
3. Follow **Domain status** until **DNS verification**, **SSL certificate issued** and **Domain connected** are all checked.

If verification doesn't pass right away, give the record a little time. HelpCenter.io keeps checking on its own, so you can close the page and come back later.

## Troubleshooting

**Cloudflare won't save the record because the name is taken.** Another A, AAAA or CNAME record already uses that name. Edit that record, or delete it and add the CNAME again.

**"The DNS record seems to be incorrect."** Check that **Proxy status** is **DNS only**, that **Name** holds only the subdomain part (`help`), and that **Target** is your helpcenter.io address with no `https://`.

**You want the help center on your root domain (example.com).** Cloudflare can flatten a CNAME record on the root, but that hides the record from HelpCenter.io the same way the proxy does. Use a subdomain like help.example.com instead.

**Your domain isn't active in Cloudflare yet.** Records you add there only take effect once your domain's nameservers point to Cloudflare. Until then, add the record wherever your domain's DNS is managed today.

## Related articles

- [Use your own domain](https://self.helpcenter.io/content/custom-domain)
- [My custom domain isn't working](https://self.helpcenter.io/content/custom-domain-not-working)