Troubleshooting DNS Propagation Issues After Domain Transfer to Cloudflare
One of the most common frustrations after a domain transfer is that your site doesn’t resolve consistently. This is usually caused by DNS propagation, which can take up to 48 hours, depending on ISPs.
Why DNS propagation happens
When DNS records are updated, they need to spread across global servers. During this time, some users may see the new site while others still reach the old one.
Quick fixes
Lower TTL values: Set TTL to 300 seconds before transferring to speed up propagation.
Check propagation tools: Use online tools to confirm which regions have updated.
Flush DNS cache: Clear local DNS cache on your computer or router.
Verify Cloudflare records: Ensure all DNS entries match your old registrar before transferring.
Wait it out: Some propagation delays are unavoidable and resolve with time.
Preventing issues
Preparing DNS in advance is the best way to minimize problems. Cloudflare automatically imports DNS records, but you should always double-check them.
If you’re also migrating hosting, providers like Hostanytime integrate well with Cloudflare to reduce propagation conflicts and downtime.
Conclusion
DNS propagation delays are normal, but they don’t have to cause panic. By lowering TTL, clearing cache, and verifying records, you can ensure your site becomes globally accessible quickly after a Cloudflare domain transfer.
FAQs
Q: How long does DNS propagation usually take?
A: Between a few minutes and 48 hours, depending on ISPs.
Q: Will my site go offline during propagation?
A: No, but some users may temporarily see older records.
Q: Can Cloudflare speed up DNS propagation?
A: Cloudflare provides fast global DNS, but ISP-level caching still requires time.

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