How to Resolve Cloudflare Error 1001

Understanding the Cloudflare Error 1001

Cloudflare error 1001 usually happens when Cloudflare has trouble finding the domain that was asked for. This mistake can happen for a number of different reasons, which we will list below:

1. A web request is sent to a Cloudflare domain that doesn't exist. This happens when a web request is sent to a Cloudflare IP address that isn't associated with a live Cloudflare domain.
2. Failure to determine the target of the DNS CNAME record: Cloudflare error 1001 can happen if the target of a DNS CNAME record can't be found.
3. Dependence on an offline DNS provider: Sometimes, a CNAME record in the Cloudflare DNS app needs to be resolved by a DNS provider that is currently offline, which causes the error.
4. Enabled "Always Online" feature for a Custom Hostname (SSL for SaaS) domain: Enabling this feature for a Custom Hostname may cause the Cloudflare error 1001.
5. Delay in spreading website information: After signing up for Cloudflare, it may take a few minutes for the website's information to spread throughout the global network. Users may see the error warning during this time.

Now, let's look at the exact causes in more depth and talk about how to fix each one.

Fixing the Cloudflare Error 1001

1. Missing DNS Records

   In the Cloudflare DNS app, users often forget to add DNS names for their subdomains. When trying to reach these subdomains, you might get the Cloudflare error 1001 because of this mistake. To fix this, make sure that the Cloudflare DNS app has the DNS records for both the subdomain and the main name. For example, if "test.example.com" is a subdomain of "example.com," make sure to add the DNS names for both "test.example.com" and "example.com" to the Cloudflare DNS app.

   Also, if you've set up a CNAME, make sure that your DNS records are also in your official nameservers.

2. DNS Propagation Delay

   When you switch your DNS settings to Cloudflare or take a name off of Cloudflare, it can take between 24 and 48 hours for the DNS records to be updated everywhere. During this propagation period, requests made during this time may not go to the right place, causing the Cloudflare error 1001. After the propagation time, this mistake usually gets fixed on its own. You can also lower theTTL (Time To Live) number to shorten the propagation time.

3. DNSSEC Configuration

   If your domain registrar has DNSSEC (Domain Name System Security Extensions) turned on, Cloudflare will not be able to provide authoritative DNS resolution for your name. After the domain is set up on Cloudflare, you can re-enable DNSSEC, but it must be set up according to Cloudflare's DNSSEC standards. Notably, DNSSEC should only be turned off for domains with Full setups where Cloudflare's nameservers are the official ones.

   There are a few signs that DNSSEC may be turned on at the registrar:

   • When I switch to Cloudflare's hosts, DNS doesn't work.
   • The status of DNS query replies is shown as SERVFAIL.
   • In the Cloudflare Overview app, the name is still marked as "Pending."

4. Nameservers That Don't Point to Cloudflare

   If you use the DNS app in Cloudflare's Dashboard to keep track of DNS records and then all of a sudden DNS resolution can be interrupted if your domain stops pointing to Cloudflare's providers. This could happen if your domain provider changes your domain's nameservers to their default nameservers. Check to see if this is the problem by seeing if your domain is set up to use Cloudflare's nameservers.

5. IP address not found

   In rare cases, the DNS resolver in the client that asked for the URL might not be able to turn a DNS record into a real IP address. If you run into this problem, try waiting a short time and then restarting the page to see if the problem goes away on its own. It's important to remember that this problem has nothing to do with Cloudflare, but using Cloudflare's DNS resolver may help fix the mistake.

6. Always Online Feature for Custom Hostnames

   With Cloudflare's "Always Online" feature, visitors can still view a part of your Cloudflare-enabled website even if your origin web server is down. However, this feature is not recommended for Custom Hostnames (SSL for SaaS). If Always Online is turned on for these sites, Cloudflare error 1001 could happen. If you have this problem, you might want to turn off the Always Online setting for your Custom Hostname.

In Conclusion

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