Cloudflare is Currently our Recommended Domain Registrar – With one Big Caveat
With Google Domains selling off its domain registrar services to Squarespace, it’s time to look at alternative options if you haven’t already. We’ve always liked Cloudflare for its robust DNS and cloud application features, so we decided to take a look at their domain registrar services. For the most part the service is great, but the there is one glaring limitation. Per Cloudflare’s domain registrar documentation – you have to use Cloudflare’s DNS if you use their domain registrar services.
That might not be a big deal for many organizations, but for some, it is an absolute show stopper. If you are using Google’s Free DDNS Services, for example, Cloudflare will not work as this service relies on Google’s DNS service. If you have limited custom and third party DNS requirements, though, Cloudflare can be a good way to go despite its limitations. With that out of the way, let’s take a look at how to transfer your domain.
Prepare to Transfer the Domain
There is a lot of good documentation on how to transfer domains out from the various registrars, so we just take a high level look at Google Domains and Cloudflare specifically. In this case we will be transferring a dev domain, atechdevs.com.
First off, log in to your Google Domains account where your domain is registered. You’ll want to make sure that your registration contact details are up to date. This is because you will receive a verification email at the Registrant contact email address that you have set. Make sure you have access to this account so that you don’t miss this email.
You’ll also want to go ahead and point your DNS nameservers to your Cloudflare account if you haven’t already, as this is a prerequisite to the transfer.
Once the contact info is verified head over to the Google Domains “Registration Settings” tab and toggle “Domain Lock” to off. Then, under “Transfer Out” select “Get auth code.” This code will be used to authorize the domain transfer in at Cloudflare.
Unlock the domain and get the auth code to transfer out
In summary, you need the following to transfer your domain over to Cloudfare.
- DNS nameservers must be pointed to Cloudflare
- You must have access to the registrant email address on record (to approve the transfer)
- The Domain must be unlocked
- You must get the Authorization Code (Auth Code or EPP code) from your current registrar
Transfer the Domain to CloudFlare
Now that the domain is unlocked, nameservers are pointed to Cloudflare, and you’ve obtained your auth code, you are ready to transfer the domain to Cloudflare. Before beginning, note that by transferring the domain in, you will be charged with one additional year of registration. Log into Cloudflare and go to “Transfer Domains” under the “Domain Registration” tab. If your domain’s nameservers are already pointed to Cloudflare, then you should see your domain listed. Simply check the domain to transfer and select “Confirm Domains.” In the next screen you will add in your auth code. Put the auth code from the last step and select “Confirm and Proceed.”
Once that is done your domain will go to a “pending transfer” status at Cloudflare. Keep your eye out for the confirmation email sent by Google to your domain Registrant contact email address on record. When that comes through, approve the transfer. In our experience this email will be sent and can be approved in a matter of minutes. The domain should show an “Active” status on Cloudflare shortly after.
Interestingly, we are usually able to see the domain registered at both companies shortly after the transfer completes. But, we are able to verify that the public WHOIS registration info has actually changed over to Cloudflare quite quickly, indicating the transfer has successfully completed.
Full domain transfer documentation from Cloudflare can be found Here.