One of the most common support tickets we receive begins with:
"I updated my DNS, but my website is not working."
In most cases, the issue is not caused by a single mistake but by a combination of timing, caching, and configuration. This article will walk you through why this issue happens so frequently, what you can do to troubleshoot it, and how to resolve common DNS-related problems.
Step 1: Confirm Which DNS Is Actually Active
Before you start checking DNS records, it’s essential to confirm the current active DNS for your domain. This step helps avoid confusion and unnecessary troubleshooting.
Key Points to Check:
Which nameservers is your domain currently using?
If the nameservers are pointing to the wrong DNS provider, the DNS changes you made might not be effective. This is a common issue when users switch hosting providers or DNS services without updating their nameservers accordingly.
Did you update DNS records in the correct DNS zone?
Sometimes, users accidentally modify DNS records in the wrong provider's control panel. Make sure you’re updating the records with the DNS provider where your domain is actually hosted.
Common Misunderstanding:
“I updated my DNS in the wrong provider’s control panel.”
Step 2: Check DNS Propagation Status
DNS changes don’t apply globally at the same time, and it can take time for DNS records to propagate across all DNS servers worldwide.
What Is DNS Propagation?
DNS propagation is the process by which DNS changes are updated on DNS servers across the globe. This can take anywhere from a few minutes to up to 48 hours, depending on factors like TTL (Time To Live) settings and the specific DNS servers being used.
How to Check DNS Propagation:
Use multi-region DNS lookup tools to check if the new records are visible across different regions.
Identify which regions still return old records and which have updated to the new records.
Step 3: Verify the Correct Record Type
A common mistake is using the wrong type of DNS record for your domain’s needs. Each DNS record type serves a specific function. Here are some common mistakes:
Common Issues:
Using a CNAME where an A record is required:
If your domain should point directly to an IP address, using a CNAME instead of an A record can cause issues. A CNAME points one domain to another, whereas an A record directly points to an IP address.
Pointing to an outdated IP address:
If your DNS records are still pointing to the old server’s IP address, your website will not load properly. Make sure the IP address in the A record is correct.
Missing required subdomain records
If you have multiple subdomains (like www or mail) and haven’t added the necessary DNS records for them, users might not be able to access your website or email services properly.
Common Misunderstanding:
Step 4: Confirm Hosting Server Readiness
Even with correct DNS settings, your website might still not load if the hosting server isn’t ready or available. DNS only points traffic to the server but does not guarantee that the server is operational.
Things to Check:
Is the server online?
Sometimes the DNS records are correct, but the server itself is down or experiencing issues. You can check your hosting provider’s status page or reach out to their support.
Is the website properly configured for the domain?
If the domain is correctly pointed to the server, but the website isn’t set up to recognize that domain, the site may not display. Double-check your web server’s configuration.
Common Misunderstanding:
If you’ve checked DNS settings, propagation, and your hosting server but the problem persists, it might be time to reach out to your domain registrar.
When to Contact Your Registrar:
The domain status is not "active":
If your domain has expired or is suspended, it won’t resolve, and you’ll need to contact your registrar to reactivate it.
Nameserver changes are not applying at all:
If your nameserver changes aren’t being applied or showing up after waiting for a reasonable amount of time, it could be an issue at the registrar level.
Common Misunderstanding:
FAQ: Common Questions About DNS Issues and Troubleshooting
Q1: How long does DNS propagation take?
A: DNS propagation can take anywhere from a few minutes to 48 hours depending on TTL settings and regional updates. Be patient and check regularly.
Q2: Why can I see the changes on my local device but others can’t?
A: This is likely because DNS changes propagate at different rates. Your local DNS cache may have updated, but others’ caches may still hold the old values.
Q3: What’s the difference between A records and CNAME records?
A: An A record points directly to an IP address, while a CNAME record points one domain to another domain. Use A records for IP address mapping and CNAME for aliases.
Q4: My website is still down after DNS changes. What’s the next step?
A: Confirm your hosting server is active and correctly configured for the domain. If everything looks fine, check your domain’s status with your registrar to ensure it’s still active.
Conclusion: Understanding DNS and Avoiding Common Pitfalls
Understanding how DNS works and how to troubleshoot common DNS issues can save you time and prevent your website from being down unexpectedly. By following the steps above: verifying your DNS records, checking propagation status, ensuring the server is ready, and knowing when to contact the registrar, you can effectively resolve DNS-related problems and get your website back online quickly.
As an ICANN-accredited registrar, Nicenic offers reliable domain management services, ensuring that your DNS records are always optimized for the best performance. If you encounter issues with DNS or domain registration, our team is here to help you troubleshoot and resolve them quickly.
Nicenic stands as that trusted partner for brands, developers, entrepreneurs, and businesses worldwide.
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