If your website is showing 500 errors or a Cloudflare maintenance page right now – you’re not alone.
Cloudflare is currently experiencing a major worldwide outage affecting DNS, proxy, API, and dashboard. Millions of sites (including parts of X/Twitter, ChatGPT, Spotify, etc.) are impacted.
Quick Emergency Fix: Bypass Cloudflare by Switching Nameservers
This is a temporary workaround. Once Cloudflare is back, you can switch back to their nameservers if you want to keep using their CDN/security features.
Step 1: Confirm It’s Cloudflare
- Check cloudflarestatus.com
- Or search “Cloudflare down” – it’s trending everywhere.
Step 2: Log In to Your Domain Registrar
Ex: Blacknight → Go to DNS / Nameservers section.
Step 3: Replace Cloudflare Nameservers with Your Host’s Default Ones
| Blacknight | ns1.blacknight.com ns2.blacknight.com ns3.blacknight.com ns4.blacknight.com |
| Other Hosting Provider | Default Nameservers |
|---|---|
| Letshost | ns1.letshost.com ns2.letshost.com |
| SiteGround | ns1.siteground.net ns2.siteground.net |
| Hostinger | ns1.dns-parking.com ns2.dns-parking.com |
| Bluehost | ns1.bluehost.com ns2.bluehost.com |
| A2 Hosting | ns1.a2hosting.com ns2.a2hosting.com |
| DreamHost | ns1.dreamhost.com ns2.dreamhost.com ns3.dreamhost.com |
| Kinsta | ns1.kinsta.com ns2.kinsta.com |
| WP Engine | ns1.wpengine.com ns2.wpengine.com |
Not listed? Google “[your host] default nameservers” or check your welcome email.
- Delete the current Cloudflare nameservers (like anna.ns.cloudflare.com, etc.)
- Add your host’s nameservers
- Save changes
DNS propagation: 10–60 minutes (sometimes longer). Check progress at whatsmydns.net
Step 4: Test Your Site
- Open in incognito / private tab
- Try mobile data instead of Wi-Fi
Site loads again → Success! You’ve bypassed Cloudflare and your customers can use / view your website again
When Cloudflare is Fixed
You can switch the nameservers back to Cloudflare if you want their protection again.
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