How to Overcome DNS Propagation Delays on AWS Route 53

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When you’re updating DNS settings for your domain in Route 53, you might notice a delay before the changes take effect. This is known as DNS propagation delay, and it can happen for a few simple reasons. If you’re working with Shopify and your website isn’t updating as expected, here are some steps you can take to fix the issue quickly.

First, understand that when you change the name servers for your domain, it can take up to 48 hours for this change to reach all parts of the internet. DNS resolvers, which are the systems that help your device find your website, even only ask for updated information once every two days and store the old data for some time.

Next, check the TTL or Time-to-Live values on your DNS records. If these are set too high, your DNS information will stay cached for longer. To get your new changes recognized faster, lower the TTL to 60 seconds or less before making the update.

It’s also important to double-check that your DNS records like A, AAAA, CNAME, MX, and TXT are correctly set up. Make sure they match Shopify’s official requirements and that no important records are missing or incorrectly configured.

If your domain has multiple hosted zones, ensure you’re updating the records in the right one. Updating the wrong zone won’t change your live site.

Sometimes, your own device’s DNS cache might hold onto the old data. Clearing your DNS cache can help ensure your computer is asking for the most recent information.

To troubleshoot effectively, use tools like the DNS Propagation Checker on whatsmydns.net. This shows you how your records appear in different places around the world. If you see inconsistencies, revisit your TTL settings and records. You can also use commands like “dig” or online services like DNSViz to trace how your DNS is resolving and identify any issues with specific name servers.

If you notice this problem only with certain DNS resolvers, you might need to contact your domain registrar or the resolver provider for help. Also, check that your DNS Glue records match your name server records to prevent any conflicts.

If after 48 hours your website still isn’t behaving correctly, and you’ve tried all these steps, contacting AWS Support is a good move. They can help you identify and fix problems that might be causing delays.

By following these simple troubleshooting tips, you can speed up DNS propagation and get your website running smoothly with Shopify.