Updating your domain’s DNS records may not be instantly reflected on all devices. While the changes happen immediately on our servers, it can take some time for your computer or others to see them. This is because of a setting called Time To Live (TTL).
TTL basically tells other servers how long to remember a website’s address. Most records have a TTL of 4 hours (14400 seconds), but some can be set for 24 hours (86400 seconds). This means it can take up to a day for the update to be visible everywhere.
There are additional layers of caching that can cause a slight delay. Your operating system (Windows/macOS), web browsers, and even your router might all be caching the old DNS information for a while.
In short, be patient! It may take some time (up to a day) for the updated DNS settings to fully propagate across the internet.
Quick Fix: Refresh Your Cache
This method is a quick attempt to see the updated DNS changes. Here’s what to do:
Restart your devices: Simply turn off your router/modem and any affected devices (computers, phones) for a few minutes. When restarted, they’ll fetch fresh DNS information.
Note: This might not always work. Some ISPs use DNS proxies that might still hold the old address.
Using a Public DNS Service like 1.1.1.1
While this guide focuses on clearing your device’s DNS cache, it’s important to know there are other ways to potentially improve your browsing experience. You can consider using a public DNS service like 1.1.1.1 offered by Cloudflare. Public DNS services can sometimes provide faster and more secure browsing compared to your ISP’s default servers. Additionally, they often update their cache more frequently, so you might see the effects of DNS changes more quickly.
Important to Note: Changing your DNS settings to a public service like 1.1.1.1 won’t directly clear your current DNS cache. However, using a public DNS service can help ensure your cache stays more up-to-date in the future.
Instructions for Clearing Your Device’s DNS Cache
Windows:
-
Open Command Prompt: There are two ways:
- Search for “CMD” in the Start menu
- Right-click on “Command Prompt” and select “Run as administrator.”
-
Clear the Cache: Once Command Prompt is open, type the following command below and press Enter:
ipconfig /flushdns
If you have been successful, you will see the message
“Successfully flushed the DNS Resolver Cache.”
MacOS
Open Terminal:
- You can open Terminal in two ways:
- Navigate: Go to “Applications” > “Utilities” and find “Terminal.” Double-click to open it.
- Search: Use Spotlight by clicking the magnifying glass icon in the menu bar or pressing
Command + Space
. Type “Terminal” and press Enter to open it.
Clear the Cache (All macOS versions):
Once Terminal is open, type the following command and press Enter:
sudo dscacheutil -flushcache
Note: You’ll be prompted for your administrator password. Type it in and press Enter again. The password won’t be displayed on screen for security reasons.
Confirmation:
While macOS might refresh the DNS cache automatically after a while, you may not see an immediate confirmation message.