DNS TTL (Time to Live) dictates how long internet service providers can cache your DNS records. For standard websites, a TTL of 3600 seconds (1 hour) or 86400 seconds (24 hours) is best to reduce server load and improve lookup speed. If you are planning a server migration, lower your TTL to 300 seconds (5 minutes) beforehand.
What Is TTL in DNS?
TTL is a countdown timer attached to every DNS record. It tells resolvers how long to cache the answer before asking again.
When a visitor's browser looks up your domain, their ISP's resolver caches the IP address for the TTL duration. Repeat lookups during that window are instant.
After TTL expires, the resolver queries your DNS again for fresh data.
Why It Matters: Speed vs Flexibility
TTL creates a fundamental tradeoff:
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| Faster lookups, less DNS traffic | Slow to propagate changes |
| | More queries, slower initial loads |
High TTL: Faster page loads, fewer DNS queries. Changes take longer to propagate.
Low TTL: DNS changes propagate quickly, useful during migrations. But frequent re-queries add latency.
For stable websites, high TTL wins. For sites in transition, temporarily lower it.
Decision Framework: Performance vs Agility
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| 3600 (set 24+ hours before) |
| Keep at 3600 until verified |
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The 3600-second sweet spot: One hour balances performance with reasonable propagation. NameSilo uses 3600 as the minimum, the industry-standard baseline.
Implementation Steps: Safe Migration TTL Strategy
Step 1: Check Current TTL (24+ Hours Before) Verify your current setting. If it's 86400, changes won't propagate for a full day.
Step 2: Lower TTL to 3600 In NameSilo's DNS Manager, set TTL to 3600 seconds, NameSilo's minimum. Step 3: Wait for Old TTL to Expire Cached records must expire before the new TTL takes effect globally.
Step 4: Perform Migration Update your A record to the new IP. With 3600-second TTL, most users see changes within 1-2 hours.
Step 5: Verify Once migration works, maintain TTL at 3600 for ongoing balance.
Common Mistakes
Permanent low TTL: Keeping TTL at 300 seconds forever increases query volume and slows initial loads. Only use low TTL during changes.
Forgetting to lower before migration: Changing your IP while TTL is 86400 means visitors hit your old server for up to 24 hours.
Expecting instant propagation: Even with low TTL, some resolvers ignore minimums. Plan for 1-4 hours of mixed traffic.
Mismatched record TTLs: Keep TTL consistent across related records to avoid confusing propagation.
What This Means for You
NameSilo's DNS Manager sets 3600 seconds as the minimum TTL, deliberately. This isn't a limitation; it's a safeguard against the performance penalties of unnecessarily low TTLs. For most users, 3600 is the right answer. Fast enough to propagate changes within hours, stable enough to benefit from resolver caching. You get the performance of higher TTLs without sacrificing flexibility.
Planning a migration? Lower to 3600, wait for the old cache to expire, make changes, done. No need to micromanage 300-second intervals. Register your domain knowing DNS defaults are already optimized. Frequently Asked Questions
Resolvers cache your record for 3600 seconds (1 hour) before re-querying.
Only during migrations. Otherwise, higher TTL improves performance.
Does TTL affect website speed?
Yes. Higher TTL means faster cached lookups.
What is the default TTL for A records?
Typically 3600-86400 seconds. NameSilo defaults to 3600.
No. NameSilo's minimum is 3600 seconds.
How long does it take for a TTL change to apply?
After the previous TTL expires globally.
What is a good TTL for MX records?
3600-86400 seconds. Email rarely needs rapid changes.
How do I check my domain's current TTL?
Use dig yourdomain.com or online DNS lookup tools.
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