Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need DNS records?
DNS records connect domain names to the servers that host your website, handle your email, and run your services. Without them, visitors would have to memorise raw IP addresses — which is not realistic at scale. Every functioning domain on the internet depends on at least a basic set of DNS records to operate.
Can I delete DNS records?
Records can be removed through your domain registrar or DNS provider, but deletions are usually permanent and cannot be reversed. Removing the wrong record can take your website, email, or other services offline until the entry is recreated and finishes propagating. Always double-check before deleting anything from your zone file.
What is a DNS cache?
A DNS cache is a short-term store of recent lookup results kept by your browser, operating system, and ISP. It speeds up browsing by skipping repeated queries for the same domain. If a cache holds stale or incorrect data, flushing it forces a fresh lookup and often resolves unexpected connectivity problems.
How long do DNS changes take to propagate?
Propagation speed depends on the TTL value that was set on the record before the change was made. A TTL of 3600 seconds allows resolvers to cache the old value for up to an hour. In practice most users see updates within minutes to a few hours, but complete global propagation can take up to 48 hours. Lowering the TTL ahead of a planned change is the best way to reduce that window.
What is the difference between authoritative and recursive DNS?
An authoritative DNS server stores the actual records for a domain and gives definitive answers about it. A recursive resolver — used by your ISP or a public service like Google's 8.8.8.8 — acts on your behalf, querying authoritative servers and caching results to speed up future requests. When you look up a domain, your device contacts a recursive resolver, which then works through the DNS hierarchy to find the authoritative answer.