DNS changes can appear quickly, but cached answers may take longer to refresh. Here is how to check whether your change has reached the right server.
Start with the checks below. Each step explains what to look for and what to try next.
Check the record you actually changed
Find the domain name, record type (A, AAAA, CNAME, MX or NS), and new value. A website change and an email change use different records. Verify the change in the DNS provider that is authoritative for your domain.
Compare authoritative and cached answers
- Look up the domain’s current nameservers.
- Query the authoritative DNS zone for the intended record.
- Compare answers from different resolvers; a different answer can mean caching or conflicting records.
- Check the record TTL (time to live); it is a cache lifetime, not a guaranteed propagation deadline.
Avoid breaking a working service
Do not repeatedly toggle nameservers while waiting. Keep existing MX records if you only meant to move the website. If only one network shows the old site, try another connection or allow its cache to refresh.
When to ask for help
If the authoritative record is incorrect, correct it at the DNS host. If the authoritative answer is right but your site is down everywhere, check web-server configuration and hosting account status next.
Guidance may vary by plan, control panel version and enabled features. Review the settings available to your account before changing live services.