--- title: What Is DNS and Why Is My Domain Managed Through Cloudflare? description: Learn what DNS is and why Sierra Interactive manages domains through Cloudflare, ensuring a secure, stable website launch and ongoing performance. image: https://www.sierrainteractive.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Website-Preview-V2A.jpg --- [Skip to content](https://help.sierrainteractive.com/helpcenter/what-is-dns-and-why-is-my-domain-managed-through-cloudflare#main-content) [Contact Support](https://help.sierrainteractive.com/helpcenter/kb-tickets/new?hsLang=en) [![Sierra Interactive logo](https://help.sierrainteractive.com/hs-fs/hubfs/sierra%20interactive%20logo.png?width=250&height=34&name=sierra%20interactive%20logo.png)](https://help.sierrainteractive.com/helpcenter?hsLang=en) - [Sierra CRM Login](https://client.sierrainteractivedev.com/login.aspx?sn=sierrainteractive.com) - [Sierra Support](https://share.hsforms.com/1-PkIvKPkRJ2Oe4iP28LPugcrxj0?__hstc=240356316.ca34a03f98730f420ad639300528f2a2.1764955183725.1783970890126.1783975123568.351&__hssc=240356316.31.1783975123568&__hsfp=3cbed2008eb4c720102b6f72b9dd6767) - [Training & Learning](https://info.sierrainteractive.com/live-training-learning-opportunities) Show submenu for Training & Learning - [Sierra Academy](https://info.sierrainteractive.com/sierra-academy) - [Live Training Sessions](https://help.sierrainteractive.com/helpcenter/join-live-training-sessions-explore-sierra-learning-resources) Show submenu for Live Training Sessions - [Tuesdays 11AM ET](https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81520282538) - [Wednesdays 1:30PM ET](https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84246589732) - [Fridays 3PM ET](https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86964951435) - [Sierra YouTube Channel](https://www.youtube.com/@sierrainteractive/featured) - [Sierra Facebook Mastermind](https://www.facebook.com/groups/sierrainteractive) - [Referral Dashboard](https://www.sierrainteractive.com/customer-referral-dashboard/) - [Operations & Closures](https://info.sierrainteractive.com/sierra-interactive-observed-holidays) - [System Status](https://status.sierrainteractive.com/) Open main navigation Close main navigation - [Sierra CRM Login](https://client.sierrainteractivedev.com/login.aspx?sn=sierrainteractive.com) - [Sierra Support](https://share.hsforms.com/1-PkIvKPkRJ2Oe4iP28LPugcrxj0?__hstc=240356316.ca34a03f98730f420ad639300528f2a2.1764955183725.1783970890126.1783975123568.351&__hssc=240356316.31.1783975123568&__hsfp=3cbed2008eb4c720102b6f72b9dd6767) - [Training & Learning](https://info.sierrainteractive.com/live-training-learning-opportunities) Show submenu for Training & Learning - [Sierra Academy](https://info.sierrainteractive.com/sierra-academy) - [Live Training Sessions](https://help.sierrainteractive.com/helpcenter/join-live-training-sessions-explore-sierra-learning-resources) Show submenu for Live Training Sessions - [Tuesdays 11AM ET](https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81520282538) - [Wednesdays 1:30PM ET](https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84246589732) - [Fridays 3PM ET](https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86964951435) - [Sierra YouTube Channel](https://www.youtube.com/@sierrainteractive/featured) - [Sierra Facebook Mastermind](https://www.facebook.com/groups/sierrainteractive) - [Referral Dashboard](https://www.sierrainteractive.com/customer-referral-dashboard/) - [Operations & Closures](https://info.sierrainteractive.com/sierra-interactive-observed-holidays) - [System Status](https://status.sierrainteractive.com/) - [Contact Support](https://help.sierrainteractive.com/helpcenter/kb-tickets/new) Search Help Center - There are no suggestions because the search field is empty. 1. [Help Center](https://help.sierrainteractive.com/helpcenter?hsLang=en) 2. [Getting Started with Sierra](https://help.sierrainteractive.com/helpcenter/getting-started-with-sierra?hsLang=en) 3. [Launch Your Website](https://help.sierrainteractive.com/helpcenter/getting-started-with-sierra?hsLang=en#launch-your-website) September 17, 2026 # What Is DNS and Why Is My Domain Managed Through Cloudflare? ## How Sierra Interactive manages your domain's DNS for security and performance. ### Table of Contents 1. [What Is DNS?](https://help.sierrainteractive.com/helpcenter/what-is-dns-and-why-is-my-domain-managed-through-cloudflare#what) 2. [How Sierra Interactive Uses Your Domain](https://help.sierrainteractive.com/helpcenter/what-is-dns-and-why-is-my-domain-managed-through-cloudflare#how) 3. [Why We Use Cloudflare](https://help.sierrainteractive.com/helpcenter/what-is-dns-and-why-is-my-domain-managed-through-cloudflare#why) 4. [Do I Still Own My Domain?](https://help.sierrainteractive.com/helpcenter/what-is-dns-and-why-is-my-domain-managed-through-cloudflare#own) 5. [Why Grant Sierra Interactive Delegate Access?](https://help.sierrainteractive.com/helpcenter/what-is-dns-and-why-is-my-domain-managed-through-cloudflare#grant) 6. [How to Grant Access (Step-by-Step)](https://help.sierrainteractive.com/helpcenter/what-is-dns-and-why-is-my-domain-managed-through-cloudflare#access) 7. [Using a Different Domain Registrar](https://help.sierrainteractive.com/helpcenter/what-is-dns-and-why-is-my-domain-managed-through-cloudflare#different) 8. [Moving From Another Website or Provider](https://help.sierrainteractive.com/helpcenter/what-is-dns-and-why-is-my-domain-managed-through-cloudflare#moving) --- ### What Is DNS? DNS (Domain Name System) is like the internet’s address book. It tells browsers where to find your website and email by connecting your domain name (like yourname.com) to the servers that host your site and messages. If DNS records are missing or incorrect, your website or email may stop working. Sierra manages DNS for active websites to ensure stability, security, and performance. For a high-level overview of how domains, DNS, and support responsibilities work together, see: 👉 [How Domains, DNS, and Support Requests Work](https://help.sierrainteractive.com/helpcenter/how-domains-dns-and-support-requests-work?hsLang=en) --- ### How Sierra Interactive Uses Your Domain When you work with Sierra Interactive, you **keep full ownership of your domain**. Our role is to: - Connect your domain to the website we built for you - Host your site securely - Manage DNS so your website, email, and security features work together seamlessly Centralized DNS management reduces risk, ensures correct configuration, and protects your website from downtime caused by incorrect DNS changes. [back to the top](https://help.sierrainteractive.com/helpcenter/what-is-dns-and-why-is-my-domain-managed-through-cloudflare#top) --- ### Why We Use Cloudflare We point your domain to Sierra Interactive’s Cloudflare account to improve security, performance, and reliability. Key benefits include: - **Automatic SSL renewal** to keep your site secure - **DDoS protection** against malicious attacks - **Web Application Firewall (WAF)** for advanced security - **Faster site speed** through Cloudflare’s global CDN - **Reduced risk** if code issues occur - **Centralized monitoring** with logs, reports, and alerts - **Industry-standard encryption** for compliance and security --- ### Do I Still Own My Domain? Yes — always. Pointing your domain to Sierra Interactive’s Cloudflare account **does not affect ownership**. You remain in full control through your domain registrar. - You can request DNS updates at any time - You can revoke access whenever you want - You can move your domain to another provider by updating nameservers **Important:** If you remove Sierra’s nameservers before pointing them elsewhere, your Sierra website will temporarily go offline until the DNS is updated again. --- ### Why Grant Sierra Interactive Delegate Access? Normally, launching a website requires manually copying and pasting long DNS records into your registrar. One small typo can take your website or email offline. By granting Sierra Interactive delegate access, you avoid those risks. #### Benefits of Delegate Access - **We handle the technical setup:** We configure nameservers and DNS records correctly on your behalf. - **No downtime during launch:** We coordinate timing so your website and email transition smoothly. - **Secure and reversible:** You never share your login password. Access is limited and can be removed at any time. This is the safest and fastest way to get your site live. For more information about responsibilities and support workflows, see: 👉 [How Domains, DNS, and Support Requests Work](https://help.sierrainteractive.com/helpcenter/how-domains-dns-and-support-requests-work?hsLang=en) 👉[Submit a DNS Update Request to Sierra Support](https://help.sierrainteractive.com/helpcenter/submit-a-dns-update-request-to-sierra-support?hsLang=en) [back to the top](https://help.sierrainteractive.com/helpcenter/what-is-dns-and-why-is-my-domain-managed-through-cloudflare#top) --- ### How to Grant Access (Quick Guides) ### GoDaddy GoDaddy calls this feature **Delegate Access**. 1. Log in to your GoDaddy account 2. Click your name (top right) → **Account Settings** 3. Select **Delegate Access** 4. Under *People who can access my account*, click **+Invite to Access** 5. Enter: - **Name:** Sierra Interactive - **Email:** Integrations@SierraInteractive.com 6. Select access level: **Domains** (or **Products & Domains**) 7. Click **Invite** 📘 [GoDaddy Delegate Access Tutorial](https://www.godaddy.com/help/invite-a-delegate-to-access-my-godaddy-account-12376) --- ### Namecheap Namecheap uses a **Sharing** feature. 1. Log in to your Namecheap account 2. Go to **Domain List** 3. Click **Manage** next to your domain 4. Open the **Sharing & Transfer** tab 5. In *Share Access*, enter our email (Integrations@SierraInteractive.com) and your Namecheap username 6. Click **Add***(Default “standard” access is all we need)* 📘[Namecheap Sharing Access Tutorial](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KfbgEDI4gK8&t=31s) --- ### Using a Different Domain Registrar? If your domain is registered with **Google Domains, Cloudflare, or Bluehost**, we’re unable to log in and manage records directly. In these cases: - Our Web Development team will provide the exact DNS records - You’ll manually enter them when prompted - We’ll coordinate timing to match your go-live date Not sure who your registrar is? Search your domain on **Whois.com** to find out. --- ### Moving From Another Website or Provider? If you’re coming from an existing site, we’ll make sure your current website stays live **until the exact moment your new Sierra site is ready**. In some cases: - Your current provider may own the domain as part of a contract - The domain may not be transferable - You may not have admin access If this applies to you, contact your current or former provider to discuss options or consider purchasing a new, SEO-friendly domain that you fully control. [back to the top](https://help.sierrainteractive.com/helpcenter/what-is-dns-and-why-is-my-domain-managed-through-cloudflare#top) --- ### Key Takeaways - You **own your domain**, while Sierra manages DNS configuration to reduce risk and maintain stability - Cloudflare improves website security, performance, and reliability - Delegate access is the safest and fastest way to manage DNS updates - DNS changes and troubleshooting requests should be submitted through Sierra Support - [Getting Started with Sierra](https://help.sierrainteractive.com/helpcenter/getting-started-with-sierra?hsLang=en#main-content) - [Orientation & Approvals](https://help.sierrainteractive.com/helpcenter/getting-started-with-sierra?hsLang=en#orientation-approvals) - [Activate Your Sierra Dialer](https://help.sierrainteractive.com/helpcenter/getting-started-with-sierra?hsLang=en#activate-your-sierra-dialer) - [CRM Setup](https://help.sierrainteractive.com/helpcenter/getting-started-with-sierra?hsLang=en#crm-setup) - 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