How the WordPress plugin connects to Cloudflare Pro

The Cloudflare plugin connects a WordPress site to Cloudflare services and lets administrators manage selected settings and view analytics from WordPress. Automatic Platform Optimization (APO) is included with Pro and Business plans. On the free plan, APO is a $5-per-month add-on that includes unlimited subdomains.

APO and edge HTML caching

Unlike caching focused on static assets such as images, JavaScript, and CSS, APO also caches static HTML pages at Cloudflare’s edge. When content is updated, APO automatically purges that content from cache while unchanged pages can continue to use edge delivery. Cloudflare describes APO as capable of speeding up a WordPress site by up to 300%, using an edge network with more than 250 data centers worldwide.

WordPress security and account benefits

Cloudflare’s Web Application Firewall (WAF) is available on paid plans and includes regularly updated rulesets tailored to WordPress threats and vulnerabilities. Cloudflare also lists free DNS, automated SSL certificates, and DDoS mitigation among the service benefits available with APO. The plugin includes a header rewrite intended to prevent a redirect loop when Universal SSL is enabled.

Controls and analytics in WordPress

From the plugin, administrators can manage cache purges, security level, Always Online, and image optimization. Its analytics can show total visitors, bandwidth saved, and threats blocked. The plugin also lists support for HTTP/2 and Server Push.

When these features fit

For a WordPress site on Pro or Business, APO adds edge caching for HTML and automatic cache handling after content updates. Paid-plan users can also use the WordPress-focused WAF rules. APO can be added to the free plan for $5 per month.

Connect the plugin

Install and activate the Cloudflare plugin in WordPress.
On first use, enter the email address associated with the Cloudflare account and an API token or API key.
Connect the site, configure the available settings, and enable the plan features appropriate to the account.

The listed requirements are WordPress 6.7 or newer and PHP 7.4 or newer.

Confirming APO response headers

To check whether APO is working, look for the response header cf-edge-cache: cache,platform=wordpress.

Free Download