Steps to Move a Domain to Another Cloudflare Account (Non Cloudflare Registrar)

Website, Application, Performance
1

What is the name of the domain?

What is the issue you’re encountering

What steps have you taken to resolve the issue?

Hello,

I’ve seen similar questions before, but I’m still a bit unsure about all the exact steps involved in properly moving a domain to another Cloudflare account. The domain is not registered with Cloudflare.

I followed this official guide:
Cloudflare: Move a domain between accounts

Here’s what I’ve understood so far. Please let me know if I’m missing anything:

  1. Remove DNSSEC from the Registrar
    Disable DNSSEC on the registrar.

  2. Wait for DS Records Propagation
    Allow 48–72 hours for DNSSEC changes to propagate fully.

  3. Handle SSL Certificate

    • I currently use an Origin Server Certificate from Cloudflare.
    • This type of certificate is only trusted when traffic is proxied through Cloudflare.
    • While the domain is in Pending or Moved Away status, it cannot proxy traffic, meaning my SSL cert will not be trusted.
    • So, I’ll generate a Let’s Encrypt certificate and install it on my server for temporary public trust during the transition.

  4. Set All DNS Records to DNS Only

  5. Create a New Cloudflare Account

    • Add the domain in the new account.
    • It will show as Pending State.

  6. Manually Migrate Settings

    • Import DNS records (leave them unproxied).
    • Manually copy over:
      • SSL/TLS settings
      • Firewall rules
      • Page rules, etc.

  7. Update Nameservers at the Registrar
    Point the domain to the new nameservers provided by the new Cloudflare account.

  8. Wait for Activation

    • After a few minutes/hours, the domain will become Active in the new account.
    • It will show as Moved Away in the old account.

  9. Wait for DNS Propagation
    Wait another 48–72 hours to ensure everything is fully propagated.

  10. Re-enable Proxying
    Re-enable proxy (orange cloud) on the DNS records.

  11. Create and Install a New Origin Server Certificate
    Generate a new Origin Server Certificate from the new Cloudflare account, then install it on the server.

  12. Domain Cleanup

  • After seven days in Moved Away status, the domain will be marked as Deleted. After seven days in the Deleted status, the domain will be permanently removed.

I plan to do this at night when the website is not used, to minimize any potential downtime.
From what I understand, there shouldn’t be any downtime, as long as I carefully manage SSL and DNS propagation.

Thanks!

2

Assuming you’re following the steps you outlined 100%, then I cannot see any reasons, why these steps should fail.

3

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