DnsTube is an open-source, lightweight Windows application used to automatically update dynamic IP addresses on DNS providers like Cloudflare. It bridges the gap when your Internet Service Provider (ISP) periodically changes your home network’s public IP address, ensuring your custom domain or home server remains accessible remotely.
The utility supports multiple DNS providers (primarily Cloudflare) and features a graphical interface that makes it a user-friendly alternative to complex CLI utilities like ddclient. Phase 1: Generate a Cloudflare API Token
DnsTube requires secure permission to modify your domain records. Instead of using your master password, you must create a scoped API token. Log in to your Cloudflare Dashboard.
Navigate to your profile icon in the top right, select My Profile, and click on API Tokens. Click the Create Token button. Locate the Edit zone DNS template and click Use template.
Rename the token to DnsTube so you can identify its purpose later.
Add permissions by clicking Add More under the permissions section. Ensure you have: Zone -> DNS -> Edit (included by default) Zone -> Zone -> Read
Filter resources under Zone Resources by selecting either All Zones or assigning it exclusively to a Specific Zone (your domain name). Click Continue to summary, then click Create Token.
Copy the token immediately. Store it safely; Cloudflare will not display this string to you a second time. Phase 2: Install and Configure DnsTube
Once you have your API token, you can bind it to the application layout on your local Windows system.
Download DnsTube from the official DnsTube GitHub Repository or its dedicated pages.
Install and launch the application on the machine that stays powered on within your home network.
Add your account by selecting Cloudflare as your provider within the client settings.
Paste your API token into the designated password/token field and hit save.
Select your domains: DnsTube will parse your account via the API and display your active zones. Select the specific domain or subdomain record (e.g., homeserver.yourdomain.com) you want to dynamically map.
(Optional) Select a network adapter: If you have multiple network interfaces (like a VPN interface and a physical Ethernet connection), click the adapter dropdown next to the DNS entry to bind updates to a specific local IP. Phase 3: Set Operational Rules
To guarantee your domain remains operational when you are away from home, configure DnsTube to run autonomously.
Enable Background Execution: Set DnsTube to start automatically upon Windows boot and keep it minimized to the system tray.
Adjust Time Intervals: Configure how frequently DnsTube checks your public WAN IP against Cloudflare’s records.
Verify Automatic Triggers: Once configured, the client will actively compare your actual WAN IP to the DNS entry IP. If a variance is found, it updates the record automatically. You can force an immediate cycle by clicking Update Now on the application homepage. If you would like to test your new setup, let me know:
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