Cloudflare DNS Setup
Follow these steps to connect your custom domain to ClickSpot using Cloudflare DNS.
Important: You must disable Cloudflare's proxy (orange cloud) for this to work. We'll show you how below.
Before You Start
Make sure you have:
- Added your domain to ClickSpot (go to Domains in your workspace and click Add Domain)
- Your ClickSpot verification token (shown after you add the domain)
- Access to your Cloudflare account
Step 1: Open Cloudflare DNS Settings
- Log in to dash.cloudflare.com
- Click on your domain from the list
- In the left sidebar, click DNS → Records
You should see a list of your current DNS records (you might have none, that's fine).
Step 2: Add the CNAME Record
This record points your subdomain to ClickSpot's servers.
- Click the Add record button
- Fill in the fields:
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Type | Select CNAME |
| Name | Your subdomain (e.g., links or go) |
| Target | r.clickspot.io |
| Proxy status | DNS only (gray cloud) — click to toggle off |
| TTL | Auto |
Critical: The proxy status MUST be "DNS only" (gray cloud icon). If it shows an orange cloud, click it to turn it off. ClickSpot cannot verify your domain through Cloudflare's proxy.
- Click Save
Step 3: Add the TXT Record
This record proves you own the domain.
- Click Add record again
- Fill in the fields:
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Type | Select TXT |
| Name | _clickspot-verify.YOUR_SUBDOMAIN(e.g., _clickspot-verify.links) |
| Content | clickspot-verify=YOUR_TOKEN(copy the exact value from ClickSpot) |
| TTL | Auto |
- Click Save
Step 4: Verify in ClickSpot
- Go back to your ClickSpot workspace
- Navigate to Domains
- Click the Verify button next to your domain
If everything is set up correctly, your domain will show as "Verified" within a few seconds.
Troubleshooting
"DNS records not found"
- Wait a few minutes — Cloudflare is fast, but changes can take 1-5 minutes
- Check the subdomain name — Make sure you entered just the subdomain (e.g.,
links) not the full domain (links.example.com) - Check proxy status — Must be "DNS only" (gray cloud), not "Proxied" (orange cloud)
"Verification failed"
- Check for typos — The CNAME target must be exactly
r.clickspot.io - Check TXT record name — Should be
_clickspot-verify.yoursubdomain - Remove conflicting records — If you have an existing A record for the same subdomain, delete it first
Links show SSL certificate error
- Disable Cloudflare proxy — The orange cloud must be OFF
- Wait 5 minutes — SSL certificates are issued automatically after verification
Why Does Cloudflare Proxy Need to Be Off?
Cloudflare's proxy (orange cloud) routes traffic through their servers. This conflicts with ClickSpot's SSL certificates and redirect handling. "DNS only" mode makes Cloudflare act as a simple DNS provider without proxying traffic.
You can still use Cloudflare's proxy for your main website — just keep it off for your short link subdomain.
Still Having Issues?
Email [email protected] with:
- Your domain name
- A screenshot of your Cloudflare DNS records
- The error message you're seeing (if any)
We typically respond within 24 hours and can help diagnose the issue.
Related Guides
- What is DNS? — Beginner explanation
- DNS Configuration — General setup instructions