DNS TTL (Time to Live) is a setting in DNS records that tells how long a DNS record should be cached by DNS servers and devices before checking for an update. TTL is measured in seconds.
Why TTL Matters:
Low TTL (shorter time): DNS records update more quickly, but it may increase DNS query traffic.
High TTL (longer time): DNS records stay cached longer, reducing query traffic but delaying updates.
Default TTL Values:
A Record (IP address mapping): Commonly set to 3600 seconds (1 hour).
MX Record (mail server): Often set to 86400 seconds (24 hours).
CNAME Record (alias): Can vary but often set to 3600 seconds.
How to Set TTL:
In cPanel or Web Hosting Control Panel:
Log into your control panel.
Navigate to DNS Management or Zone Editor.
Find the DNS record (A, MX, etc.) you want to adjust.
Edit the TTL value (in seconds).
In DirectAdmin:
Log into your DirectAdmin panel.
Go to DNS Management.
Select the domain and edit the TTL for the record.
In Cloudflare (for websites using Cloudflare DNS):
Log into Cloudflare.
Go to DNS tab.
Find your record and adjust the TTL value.
Command Line (for advanced users):
If you’re managing DNS records with command line tools like BIND, you’ll set TTL in the record configuration file like:
example.com. IN A 192.0.2.1 3600
Best Practices:
Short TTL: Use for temporary changes or during maintenance.
Long TTL: Use for stable, unchanging records like your website’s main IP.
Conclusion:
TTL determines how long DNS records are cached. A low TTL allows faster updates but can increase server load, while a high TTL reduces load but delays updates. Adjust TTL values based on your needs for speed or stability.
