## **🔍 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**

1. **Log in to your WordPress admin panel.** Navigate to **Plugins → Installed Plugins** and locate the Search Atlas plugin.
2. **Deactivate the WordPress plugin.** Click **Deactivate** and wait for the page to confirm the plugin is no longer active.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.
3. **Clear your WordPress cache.** If you use a caching plugin (e.g., WP Rocket, W3 Total Cache), purge all cached files before proceeding.
4. **Log in to your Search Atlas dashboard.** Navigate to the Cloudflare integration settings inside the platform.
5. **Connect your Cloudflare account.** Follow the on-screen prompts to authorise the connection and select the correct domain.
6. **Verify the Cloudflare integration is active.** Confirm that your domain shows a **Connected** status in the Search Atlas dashboard before making any further changes.
7. **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.