Connect a domain, configure DNS, and create business email
Use the Pavwell dashboard to connect a Cloudflare domain, sync DNS, assign a website domain, and create mailboxes.
Quick answer
Connect a verified Cloudflare account to an active Pavwell service, sync the domain’s DNS zone, then select the domain separately for web hosting or email. Connecting DNS does not register a domain or create a website by itself.
How to do it
- 1
Create a Cloudflare API token
In Cloudflare, create a token with Zone:Read and DNS:Read/Edit permissions. Keep the token private.
- 2
Connect Cloudflare in Pavwell
Sign in and open Dashboard → Domains & DNS. Paste the token and select Connect Cloudflare.
- 3
Attach your domain
Choose the Cloudflare account and active Pavwell service, select Find domains, choose the zone, then select Connect domain. The Cloudflare zone must belong to that account.
- 4
Sync domain DNS
On the domain card, select Find Cloudflare zone if needed, link the matching zone, then select Sync DNS to import its records.
- 5
Choose the website domain
Open Dashboard → Web & Hosting and select an active connected domain in Website domain.
- 6
Create business email
Open Dashboard → Email, select the domain, enter the mailbox name and quota, then select Create mailbox. For example, entering `sales` creates `sales@yourdomain.co.zw`.
- 7
Set up a device
Select Set up a device at the top of Email, choose the domain and mailbox address, copy IMAP/SMTP settings, or download the matching Apple, Android/Thunderbird, or Outlook configuration file.
- 8
Update nameservers if needed
If your registrar uses different nameservers, update them in the registrar’s domain settings to the nameservers shown on your Pavwell domain card.
Video guide
Connecting domains and setting up email
A walkthrough of Cloudflare connection, DNS synchronization, website domain selection, and mailbox creation.
Video coming soon
Frequently asked questions
Which Cloudflare token permissions are needed?
The token needs Zone:Read and DNS:Read/Edit access for the zones you want to connect.
Does connecting a domain register or transfer it?
No. Connecting adds a domain already present in your Cloudflare account to a Pavwell service. Domain registration and transfer are separate processes.
Why is DNS sync pending?
A linked zone remains pending until its DNS records have been synchronized from Cloudflare.
Can I create email on a pending domain?
You can assign a pending domain to the email service, but mailbox creation waits until the domain becomes active and its mail DNS is ready.
Does creating a mailbox guarantee email is ready immediately?
Mailbox creation is queued and checked by the mail worker. Delivery starts after the domain is active, mail DNS is synchronized, and the mailbox setup reports Active.
Why does the email card use a domain selector?
Each purchased or connected domain has its own mailbox list. Use the top domain filter to show one root domain, then use the selector inside that card to view mailboxes for its subdomain websites.
What happens when I connect a domain but have no hosting plan?
The domain and DNS records can be visible and manageable, but no CyberPanel website or mailbox is created until you purchase the corresponding web-hosting or email-hosting service.