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What should I keep in mind before changing my DNS?

This article explains what to keep in mind when changing DNS settings. It covers propagation times, the importance of correct name servers, and tools like DNS Checker and Whois to verify your settings.

Updated this week

🌐 Important Things to Know When Changing DNS

When you make changes to your domain’s DNS settings, there are a few important things to keep in mind:

⏳ Propagation Time

  • DNS changes are not immediate – it takes time for them to propagate across the internet.

  • Standard Duration: Propagation can take anywhere from 2–24 hours. In some cases, it may extend up to 48 hours, dependent on factors such as TTL values, DNS cache expiration, and registry policies.

  • Key Influencing Factors: Local DNS resolvers, ISPs, and domain registries (e.g., manual processing for certain TLDs like .LV) significantly impact propagation times.

πŸ“ Check Name Servers

  • Make sure your NS records (name servers) are exactly the same in both your DNS zone and at your domain registrar.

  • If they don’t match, your website may experience downtime or loading issues.

  • Example: Miss Hosting uses name servers in the format nsX.misspark.se.- Verify via WHOIS Database: Check your domain's current nameservers using a WHOIS lookup tool, and ensure they match your intended configuration.

  • Direct Domain Testing: Load your domain in a browser to confirm that DNS records (e.g., A and TXT) are resolving correctly.

πŸ” Useful Tools

  • Check DNS records: DNS Checker

  • Find your domain registrar: Whois Lookup- DNS Propagation Checkers: Use any online services like DNS propagation tools for tracking.- Advanced DNS tools: Use dig or nslookup for detailed record analysis and troubleshooting.

  • Online DNS propagation checkers: Monitor updates globally to verify propagation progress.

βœ… Summary

  1. DNS changes take time – be patient.

  2. Always ensure your NS records match at both your registrar and DNS zone.

  3. Use tools like DNS Checker and Whois to verify and troubleshoot.

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