Get Tech Taking Too Much to Update DNS Record​: Complete Guide

Why “Get Tech Taking Too Much to Update DNS Record” Happens and How to Fix It

If you’ve ever waited hours or even days for a DNS record update to take effect, you may have wondered 'why does it take so long?', and what can I do about it? The phrase “get tech taking too much to update DNS record” often reflects delays caused by DNS propagation, server response times, and network configurations. This guide breaks down the reasons behind slow DNS updates and provides actionable steps to speed up the process.

Understanding DNS Updates and Why They Can Take Time

DNS, or Domain Name System, is essentially the address book of the internet, translating domain names into IP addresses so that browsers know where to find websites. When you update a DNS record whether adding a new subdomain, changing an A record, or updating MX records the changes don’t instantly reach every corner of the internet. This delay is commonly known as DNS propagation.

Propagation happens because DNS information is cached at multiple levels:

  1. Local computers and devices
  2. Internet Service Providers (ISPs)
  3. Recursive DNS servers
  4. Global authoritative DNS servers

Each cache has a Time-To-Live (TTL) value, which determines how long it stores DNS information before fetching an update. Even with cloud DNS service providers that optimize for speed, these caches can still introduce delays.

So, if your IT team seems slow to update DNS records, it’s often less about human error and more about how DNS works globally.

Common Reasons for Slow DNS Record Updates

Several factors can cause the process to feel sluggish:

1. High TTL Values
DNS records with long TTLs (e.g., 24 hours) will take longer to propagate because caches hold old data until the TTL expires.

2. Network Congestion
Slow network routes or heavy traffic can delay the update from reaching recursive servers.

3. Server Processing Delays
If the authoritative server is experiencing high load, slow database writes, or pending updates, changes may be delayed. Regular server health checks help identify these bottlenecks.

4. Misconfigured DNS Records
Typographical errors, missing records, or conflicts between old and new entries can prevent updates from being recognized.
Some setups using load balancers may take longer to update DNS across multiple endpoints.

How Network Infrastructure Affects DNS Update Speed

The path your DNS update takes to propagate across the internet is affected by your network infrastructure. This includes routing, caching, and the performance of ISP-level DNS servers.

  • Global Anycast CDN:
    Many modern DNS providers use global anycast networks. Anycast allows multiple servers in different locations to share the same IP address. When an update is made, it propagates faster because queries are served from the closest available server, reducing delay.

  • Route Navigator Tools:
    Tools like route navigators can help visualize the path your DNS update takes and identify slow hops in the network. This is especially useful if you notice updates take longer in specific regions.

  • ISP Caching Policies:
    Even if your authoritative server is updated immediately, some ISPs may cache old records until the TTL expires. This is outside the direct control of IT teams but affects how quickly users see changes.

  • Slow DNS updates can directly impact webpage availability, because if DNS changes haven’t propagated, some users may not be able to reach your website

Troubleshooting Slow DNS Updates

When facing delays, consider the following steps:

1. Verify TTL Settings
Reduce the TTL before making critical changes. A 5-10 minute TTL is common for temporary updates.

2. Check Authoritative DNS Status
Use online tools to confirm the authoritative server has processed the new record.

3. Perform a Server Health Check
Ensure the DNS server itself is healthy and responding promptly to queries. High CPU load or network issues can delay updates.

4. Test with Recursive Servers
Query multiple DNS resolvers worldwide to see if your update is visible. This helps determine if the issue is propagation or server-side.

5. Leverage Cloud DNS Services
Cloud DNS services often provide faster update times and integrated monitoring. Their distributed infrastructure reduces the likelihood of delays.

Tips to Speed Up DNS Record Updates

Even if DNS propagation cannot be fully instantaneous, there are several strategies to accelerate the process:

1. Lower TTLs in Advance
Reducing TTLs before making changes ensures caches expire quickly.

2. Use a Reliable Cloud DNS Service
Providers with a global anycast CDN and optimized routing update records faster across regions.

3. Plan Changes During Off-Peak Hours
Updating DNS during lower traffic periods can reduce load-related delays.

4. Monitor Propagation in Real Time
Tools and dashboards allow you to see which regions have received the update, helping you take action if there’s a problem.

5. Implement a DNS Load Balancer Solution
Load balancers can distribute requests across multiple servers, preventing bottlenecks during updates.

6. Check Network Routes Using Route Navigator Tools
Identifying slow or blocked paths allows you to reroute traffic or troubleshoot connectivity issues.

7. Maintain Server Health Checks
Regularly monitoring server performance ensures updates are applied without delay.

FAQ

1. Why do some DNS updates happen quickly while others take longer?
Propagation speed depends on TTL values, caching policies, network routes, and server performance.

2. How long does it usually take for DNS changes to fully propagate?
It can take anywhere from a few minutes to 48 hours, depending on TTL and global caching.

3. How do DNS update delays affect website accessibility and performance?
Users may continue to see old content, or a website may appear offline in some regions until updates propagate.

4. Are there tools to check DNS propagation speed?
Yes, tools like online DNS checkers and route navigator dashboards help monitor propagation globally.

5. What is the role of server health in DNS updates?
Healthy DNS servers apply and serve updates quickly, while overloaded or misconfigured servers can cause delays.

6. Does network routing impact how fast DNS updates propagate?
Yes, slow or congested routes can delay updates from reaching recursive DNS servers, impacting propagation.