Cloudflare’s orange-cloud proxy can cause issues such as email delivery problems, SSL errors, or applications blocking Cloudflare IPs. This article will show you how to disable the proxy for specific DNS records or remove Cloudflare entirely and switch back to GoDaddy nameservers. Both processes can be completed quickly when done in the correct sequence.

Choose the Exact Removal You Need

Before making any changes, identify which approach suits your needs:

  1. Turn off the orange cloud for one record: Keep Cloudflare DNS, but bypass the proxy for a specific record.
  2. Remove Cloudflare completely: Revert to GoDaddy nameservers, eliminating all Cloudflare involvement.
Option What Changes Typical Use Case Time to Take Effect
Disable proxy (orange to grey cloud) Record becomes DNS only; other records remain proxied SSL errors, email issues, a subdomain needs a direct IP Minutes
Remove Cloudflare completely GoDaddy nameservers manage DNS again No Cloudflare involvement is desired Minutes to a few hours

Option A: Disable Cloudflare Proxy for Specific DNS Records

This option is often the quickest solution for most situations.

Step 1: Log In to Cloudflare and Open Your Domain

Visit dash.cloudflare.com, log in, and select the domain card you wish to modify.

Step 2: Open DNS Settings

Click DNS in the top navigation menu. A list of all your DNS records will appear.

Step 3: Find the Proxied Record (Orange Cloud)

Look for records showing the orange cloud icon. Common examples include:

  • A record for @ (your root domain)
  • CNAME for www
  • A or CNAME for subdomains like app, shop, or staging

Often, misconfigured @ and www records are the source of problems.

Step 4: Toggle the Proxy Off

  1. Click the orange cloud icon next to the record.
  2. The icon will change to a grey cloud (DNS only).
  3. Click Save if prompted.

The record will now resolve to your origin server’s IP address instead of Cloudflare’s.

Step 5: Repeat for Any Other Records That Need to Bypass Cloudflare

  • Switch www to DNS only if your site uses the www prefix.
  • Switch api to DNS only if a service blocks Cloudflare IPs.
  • Switch any verification subdomains to DNS only if a provider explicitly requests it.

Step 6: Confirm the Change Worked

Perform two checks:

  1. Check what IP the record resolves to:
    • DNS only returns your origin/server IP
    • Still proxied returns a Cloudflare IP
  2. Use a DNS tool:
    • whatsmydns.net shows propagation status across regions.
    • MxToolbox allows you to look up the A record and confirm it points to your server’s IP, not a Cloudflare IP range.

Option B: Remove Cloudflare from the Domain Completely

This process reverts your domain to use GoDaddy nameservers. Follow these steps in order to prevent downtime.

Step 1: Disable DNSSEC in Cloudflare First (If Enabled)

Go to Cloudflare Dashboard your domain DNSSEC and disable it. If DNSSEC is enabled and not disabled before changing nameservers, DNS resolution issues can occur. This step takes about 30 seconds and should not be skipped. For DNS security best practices and guidance on handling DNSSEC, see Infoblox DNS security best practices.

Step 2: Remove the Site from Cloudflare

  1. Cloudflare Dashboard select your site.
  2. Click Overview.
  3. Scroll to Advanced Actions.
  4. Click Remove Site from Cloudflare.
  5. Confirm the removal.

Cloudflare will remove the domain from your account. Your nameservers will still point to Cloudflare at this stage; this is addressed next.

Step 3: Switch Nameservers Back to GoDaddy

  1. Go to GoDaddy My Products / Domain Portfolio.
  2. Select your domain Domain Settings.
  3. Locate Nameservers click Change.
  4. Choose GoDaddy Nameservers (recommended). If this option is not selected, manually enter the GoDaddy nameservers, which typically follow the pattern:
    • nsXX.domaincontrol.com
    • nsXX.domaincontrol.com
    • Note: The XX usually represents numbers, for example, ns01.domaincontrol.com, ns02.domaincontrol.com. These are typically provided by GoDaddy on your domain’s DNS management page when you select “I’ll use GoDaddy nameservers.”
  5. Save and confirm (check the consent box if it appears).

Step 4: Confirm You Have at Least Two Nameservers Set

A typical correct setup shows:

ns1.domaincontrol.com
ns2.domaincontrol.com

You need a minimum of two nameservers. If only one is listed, add a second one before saving.

Step 5: Wait for DNS Propagation

Propagation can take a few minutes to several hours, depending on your resolver’s cache and previous TTL values. There’s no action required here except waiting and periodically checking with whatsmydns.net.

Update Your DNS Records After Removing Cloudflare

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