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):
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.
