---
title: "Setting up the Opensense CNAME in Cloudflare"
slug: "cname-cloudflare-proxy-settings"
description: "Add the Opensense smart CNAME record in Cloudflare with its proxy turned off (DNS only), so it resolves directly to whs.sendergen.com."
updated: 2025-09-08T16:12:28.000Z
canonical: "https://help.opensense.com/docs/cname-cloudflare-proxy-settings"
---

> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://help.opensense.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Setting up the Opensense CNAME in Cloudflare

## Overview

When you add a CNAME record in Cloudflare, you can proxy the record (orange cloud) or leave it unproxied (grey cloud). Proxied records route traffic through Cloudflare's edge network, while unproxied records resolve directly to the target host. For the Opensense integration to work properly, the CNAME must stay **unproxied**, so that it always resolves to the correct service endpoint.

:::caution[Turn the proxy off]
Set the Opensense CNAME's **Proxy status** to **DNS only** (grey cloud).
:::


## Why this matters

- Consistent and secure brand presentation across emails
- Support for Opensense's email signature and tracking infrastructure


## Adding the Opensense CNAME record in Cloudflare

Opensense asks customers to create a new CNAME record in their DNS: host `smart`, pointing to `whs.sendergen.com`. For the full list of records, see [Required DNS settings for Opensense](https://help.opensense.com/docs/dns-entries-must-have).

1. In Cloudflare, add a DNS record, and set **Type** to **CNAME**.
2. In **Name**, enter `smart` (the subdomain, or host).
3. In **Target**, enter `whs.sendergen.com` (the target domain).
4. Turn **Proxy status** off, so it shows **DNS only**.
5. Select **Save**.

![Cloudflare DNS record form with Type CNAME, Name smart, Target whs.sendergen.com, Proxy status turned off showing DNS only, and TTL Auto](https://help.opensense.com/media/screenshot-202025-05-05-20at-202-08-34-e2-80-afpm-bdb83120d605.jpg)

The **Proxy status** toggle turns the Cloudflare proxy on or off. The Opensense CNAME should have the proxy **off**.


## What's next

- [Required DNS settings for Opensense](https://help.opensense.com/docs/dns-entries-must-have)
- [Verifying your Opensense DNS records](https://help.opensense.com/docs/how-to-check-your-dns-records): check that the record resolves.

For further help, contact Opensense Support at [help@opensense.com](mailto:help@opensense.com).