How does TTL affect propagation time when I change records?

TTL and propagation relationship:

Key insight: The OLD TTL determines propagation time when you make changes.

Example:

Previous TTL: 86400 seconds (24 hours)

You change the record

Resolvers may serve old value for up to 24 hours

Faster propagation strategy:

48 hours before change: Lower TTL to 300 seconds

Wait for old TTL to expire everywhere

Make the change (now propagates in ~5 minutes)

After verification: Raise TTL back

Cannot speed up retroactively: Once a resolver has cached with high TTL, you must wait for expiration.

Changing the refresh schedule takes effect next cycle. Plan ahead for faster updates.