Easy Tech TutsHow to Disable Cloudflare Proxy, Remove Proxy Easily 2026
By Impran M N
Sometimes you need one specific record to bypass Cloudflare's proxy entirely, whether for debugging or because a service requires a direct connection. This guide covers switching an individual A, CNAME, or AAAA record from proxied to DNS Only mode.
01Open your DNS Records grid
Select your domain and navigate to the DNS Records panel.
02Find the proxied record
Look for rows showing the orange proxied cloud icon next to the record you want to change.
03Click Edit
Click the Edit action next to your target A or CNAME record.
04Toggle the proxy switch off
Switch the Proxy Status toggle to convert the record into gray-cloud DNS Only mode.
05Save and verify
Save your change, wait through the roughly five-minute Auto TTL propagation window, and run a ping or dig test to confirm direct origin IP resolution.
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between orange cloud and gray cloud in Cloudflare?
Orange cloud means the record is proxied through Cloudflare's network for caching and security, while gray cloud (DNS Only) routes traffic directly to your origin server.
Why would I want to disable the proxy for a specific record?
Common reasons include debugging origin server issues directly, or because a service requires a direct connection that Cloudflare's proxy can interfere with.
Does disabling the proxy remove SSL protection?
Yes, DNS Only records bypass Cloudflare's edge SSL handling, so your origin server needs its own valid SSL certificate for HTTPS to keep working.
How long does it take for the change to apply?
Expect roughly a five-minute propagation window under the default Auto TTL setting before the change is fully reflected.
Watch the full walkthrough
The same steps, demonstrated on screen from start to finish.
