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Step 1Open the server Apps tab
Select the tutorial-vps VPS, open the Apps tab, and start a new app deployment. Keep sensitive server details hidden before capturing or sharing screenshots.
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Cloudflare DDNS
Infrastructure64MB+ RAM
Dynamic DNS client that keeps a Cloudflare DNS record pointed at the host's current public IP
infrastructurenetworkingcloudflareddnsopen-sourceself-hosteddocker
Deploy Cloudflare DDNS in 3 Steps
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Connect Your VPS
Add your server credentials to Server Compass
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Select Cloudflare DDNS
Choose from our template library
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Deploy & Configure
Fill in settings and click Deploy
No Docker knowledge required
Step-by-step deployment guide
Deploy Cloudflare DDNS on a VPS with Server Compass
Use the Cloudflare DDNS template in Server Compass to deploy a maintained DDNS Updater dashboard, then add Cloudflare DNS credentials after the service is running.
About 8 minutesBrowser verified
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Step 2Choose an app template
Click New App and choose the template deployment path so Server Compass can load the built-in catalog.
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Step 3Search for Cloudflare DDNS
Use the template picker search to find Cloudflare DDNS in the Server Compass template catalog.
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Step 4Select the Cloudflare DDNS template
Choose the Cloudflare DDNS template. Server Compass fills the DDNS Updater service, dashboard port, persistent data volume, and conservative polling settings.
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Step 5Review the Cloudflare DDNS settings
Confirm the app name and service settings. In this run, the app was named cloudflare-ddns-demo; the dashboard was exposed on host port 4142.
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Step 6Deploy Cloudflare DDNS
Review the generated compose settings, confirm the DDNS Updater image, dashboard port, and data volume, then click Deploy.
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Step 7Watch the deployment progress
Keep the deployment modal open while Server Compass uploads the compose file, pulls the DDNS Updater image, starts the container, and verifies the stack.
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Step 8Confirm Cloudflare DDNS is running
After deployment finishes, return to the Apps tab and confirm the Cloudflare DDNS app is marked Running.
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Step 9Open the DDNS Updater dashboard
Open the public dashboard URL and confirm the DDNS Updater table loads. The empty table is expected until you add a Cloudflare setting and token after deployment.
After Cloudflare DDNS Opens
- Create a Cloudflare API token scoped to Zone:DNS:Edit for the exact zone you want to update.
- Add a Cloudflare setting to `/updater/data/config.json` or provide a `CONFIG` environment value.
- Restart the container and confirm the dashboard changes from an empty table to a successful update row.
- Restrict the dashboard with firewall rules or reverse proxy authentication before exposing it publicly.
Verified Result
The DDNS Updater dashboard loaded successfully in Chromium at http://91.99.15.247:4142/.
Cloudflare DDNS deployment questions
What does the Cloudflare DDNS template deploy?
It deploys qmcgaw/ddns-updater with a persistent data volume and web dashboard. Cloudflare records are not changed until you add a scoped Cloudflare token and DNS setting.
Which port did the tutorial use?
The tutorial used host port 4142, mapped to the DDNS Updater dashboard on container port 8000.
Does the tutorial update a real Cloudflare record?
No. The tutorial verifies the service and dashboard without sending a DNS update. Add your own scoped Cloudflare token after deployment to enable real updates.
Should this become a blog post?
No. The deployment guide should live on the Cloudflare DDNS template detail page and be linked from the reusable template deployment docs page.
After Deployment
After deploying Cloudflare DDNS with Server Compass, complete these steps to finish setup
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Verify in Cloudflare's DNS dashboard that the record `{{SUBDOMAIN}}.{{ZONE}}` was updated to your current public IP
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Watch `docker logs <container>` for any auth errors
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Add additional DDNS containers for extra subdomains if needed
Need help? Check out our documentation for detailed guides.
Cloudflare DDNS FAQ
Common questions about self-hosting Cloudflare DDNS
How do I deploy Cloudflare DDNS with Server Compass?
Simply download Server Compass, connect to your VPS, and select Cloudflare DDNS from the templates list. Fill in the required configuration and click Deploy. The entire process takes under 3 minutes.
What are the system requirements for Cloudflare DDNS?
Cloudflare DDNS requires a minimum of 64MB RAM. We recommend a VPS with at least 1024MB RAM for optimal performance. Any modern Linux server with Docker support will work.
Can I migrate my existing Cloudflare DDNS data?
Yes! Server Compass provides volume mapping that allows you to import existing data. You can also use standard Cloudflare DDNS backup and restore procedures.
How do I update Cloudflare DDNS to the latest version?
Server Compass makes updates easy. Simply click the Update button in your deployment dashboard, and the latest Cloudflare DDNS image will be pulled and deployed with zero downtime.
Is Cloudflare DDNS free to self-host?
Cloudflare DDNS is open-source software. You only pay for your VPS hosting (typically $5-20/month) and optionally Server Compass ($29 one-time). No subscription fees or per-seat pricing.
Ready to Self-Host Cloudflare DDNS?
Download Server Compass and deploy Cloudflare DDNS to your VPS in under 3 minutes. No Docker expertise required.
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