🔍 Why Timing Matters
Search Atlas offers two ways to implement tracking and site optimizations: the WordPress plugin and a Cloudflare CDN integration. Both methods are powerful on their own, but running them simultaneously can cause dashboard errors, duplicate data, or conflicting configurations. Following the correct sequence ensures a smooth transition with no data gaps or broken settings.
⚠️ What Happens If You Use Both at Once
Activating Cloudflare while the WordPress plugin is still running may cause:
- Dashboard errors or missing metrics in Search Atlas
- Duplicate script injections on your site
- Conflicting cache rules between the plugin and Cloudflare's CDN layer
- Inaccurate reporting due to overlapping data sources
To avoid these issues, always follow the step-by-step order below.
✅ The Correct Setup Sequence
- Log in to your WordPress admin panel. Navigate to Plugins → Installed Plugins and locate the Search Atlas plugin.
- Deactivate the WordPress plugin. Click Deactivate and wait for the page to confirm the plugin is no longer active. Do not delete it yet — you may want to keep it available in case you need to roll back.
- Clear your WordPress cache. If you use a caching plugin (e.g., WP Rocket, W3 Total Cache), purge all cached files before proceeding.
- Log in to your Search Atlas dashboard. Navigate to the Cloudflare integration settings inside the platform.
- Connect your Cloudflare account. Follow the on-screen prompts to authorise the connection and select the correct domain.
- Verify the Cloudflare integration is active. Confirm that your domain shows a Connected status in the Search Atlas dashboard before making any further changes.
- Test your site. Visit your website and check that pages load correctly and no console errors appear in your browser's developer tools.
💡 Tips for a Smooth Transition
- Do not reactivate the WordPress plugin after connecting Cloudflare. The two methods serve the same function and do not need to run together.
- If you manage multiple WordPress sites, repeat this process for each domain individually — do not connect all sites at once.
- Allow up to 24 hours for Cloudflare's DNS propagation to complete fully after connecting. Some metrics in your dashboard may appear delayed during this window.
- Keep a note of your plugin settings before deactivating, in case you need to reference any custom configurations later.
🔄 Rolling Back to the WordPress Plugin
If you need to switch back to the WordPress plugin for any reason, reverse the process: disconnect the Cloudflare integration in your Search Atlas dashboard first, then reactivate the plugin in WordPress. Never enable both at the same time.
🙋 Need More Help?
If you need further assistance, open the chat widget in the bottom-right corner of the platform and type human teammate to be connected with a member of our team.