How to set up Cloudflare DDNS to run automatically on a Linux server?

Use cron to schedule the script. For example, add '*/30 * * * * python /path/to/cloudflare-ddns.py -z example.com' to your crontab. This ensures updates every 30 minutes without manual intervention, as recommended in the README.

Does Cloudflare DDNS work with IPv6 addresses?

Yes, it fully supports IPv6 by updating AAAA records. The script can detect both IPv4 and IPv6 addresses using HTTP requests or DNS lookup methods, as stated in the features section.

Cloudflare DDNS vs DuckDNS: which is better for dynamic IP?

Cloudflare DDNS is self-hosted and gives you control over Cloudflare settings, ideal if you already use Cloudflare. DuckDNS is a free managed service but relies on a third-party and has fewer customization options. Choose based on whether you prefer self-management or convenience.

How to configure multiple domain names with Cloudflare DDNS?

Create separate YAML configuration files in the 'zones' folder for each domain, renaming them to match your zone names. The script can handle updates for multiple records by specifying the zone when running it, as per the usage instructions.

Is Cloudflare DDNS secure for updating DNS records?

It uses Cloudflare's API with your API token, so security depends on token management. Use least-privilege tokens and secure your configuration files. The open-source nature allows code review, but always follow best practices for API keys.

What should I do if Cloudflare DDNS fails to update an IP?

Check the 'logs' folder for error messages, as mentioned in the README. Common issues include network connectivity problems, incorrect API tokens, or Cloudflare API errors; the script logs details for manual troubleshooting.

Open-Awesome

Dynamic DNS Python

BSD-3-ClausePython

A Python script to dynamically update Cloudflare DNS records for domains with dynamic IP addresses.

GitHub

155 stars33 forks0 contributors

What is Dynamic DNS Python?

Cloudflare DDNS is a Python script that automatically updates Cloudflare DNS records when your public IP address changes. It solves the problem of hosting servers or services behind dynamic IP addresses by keeping domain names pointed to the correct current IP. The script periodically checks your IP and updates Cloudflare's DNS records accordingly.

Target Audience

Users hosting personal servers, game servers, or web applications behind dynamic residential or business internet connections who use Cloudflare for DNS management.

Value Proposition

Developers choose Cloudflare DDNS because it's lightweight, specifically designed for Cloudflare's API, supports both IPv4 and IPv6, and includes smart update logic that only makes changes when necessary. It's a focused alternative to generic dynamic DNS services when you already use Cloudflare.

Overview

A script to update your Cloudflare DNS records at a glance.

Use Cases

Best For

Hosting a personal website from home with a dynamic IP
Running game servers on residential internet connections
Maintaining access to self-hosted applications with changing IPs
Keeping development environments accessible via domain names
Managing DNS for multiple services behind a single dynamic IP
Automating DNS updates for IoT devices with changing network locations

Not Ideal For

Users not using Cloudflare for DNS management (e.g., those with AWS Route 53 or Google Domains)
Projects requiring a graphical user interface or web dashboard for configuration and monitoring
Enterprises needing centralized management and monitoring for hundreds of dynamic IPs across multiple zones
Environments where Python is not installed or where system dependencies are tightly controlled

Pros & Cons

Pros

Dual Protocol Support

Updates both IPv4 (A records) and IPv6 (AAAA records) in Cloudflare, as highlighted in the features list, making it future-proof for networks adopting IPv6.

Smart Update Logic

Only modifies DNS records when the IP address actually changes, reducing unnecessary API calls to Cloudflare and minimizing potential rate limits.

Multi-Record Configuration

Allows managing multiple DNS records with different settings like TTL and proxy mode from a single YAML file, simplifying management for multiple services.

Lightweight and Efficient

Has minimal dependencies (only PyYAML and Requests) and optimized update logic, ensuring low resource usage on systems where it runs periodically.

Cons

Manual Scheduling Required

No built-in scheduler; users must manually set up cron jobs or similar tools to run the script periodically, adding setup complexity and maintenance overhead.

Cloudflare-Exclusive

Designed specifically for Cloudflare's API, so it cannot be used with other DNS providers, creating vendor lock-in and limiting flexibility.

Basic Error Handling

Relies on simple logging to files without advanced features like automatic retries or notifications, making troubleshooting more hands-on when issues arise.

Frequently Asked Questions

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