Seeing a “this site can’t be reached” or similar error right after changing your domain or DNS settings is common and usually harmless. In most cases it means the change simply has not finished spreading across the internet yet, or a small setting needs adjusting. This guide walks through the likely causes in order, from most to least common, so you can get your site back quickly.
First, understand DNS propagation #
Whenever you change nameservers or DNS records, the update does not reach every server instantly. This spread, called propagation, usually completes within a few hours but can take up to 24-48 hours. During that window some visitors may see the new site while others still hit an error or the old one. If you have only just made a change, the most likely fix is simply to wait a little and try again.
Quick checks to try right away #
- Clear your browser cache or try an incognito window.
- Try another device or network, such as mobile data, to rule out local caching.
- Flush your computer’s DNS cache so it re-checks the records.
- Wait and retry if you changed settings in the last few hours.
Check the domain settings #
If the error persists beyond the propagation window, verify the core settings. A single wrong value here is the usual culprit:
- Nameservers: confirm they point to the correct provider.
- A record: confirm it points to the correct server IP.
- Domain status: make sure the domain has not expired.
- SSL: a missing certificate can cause security errors that look like the site is down.
Confirm the domain has not expired #
An easily overlooked cause is an expired domain. If a renewal was missed, the site and email can go offline even though nothing about your hosting changed. Check the expiry date in your account, and renew immediately if it has lapsed.
Use a propagation checker #
Online DNS propagation tools let you see how your domain resolves from different locations around the world. If the correct values already show in some places, propagation is simply still in progress. If they show nowhere, the settings themselves likely need fixing.
Troubleshooting summary #
- Recent change: wait for propagation and clear your cache.
- Security warning: confirm SSL is active for the domain.
- Wrong or old site: re-check nameservers and A records.
- Totally offline: confirm the domain has not expired.
Need help? #
If your site is still unreachable after checking these, our support team can look at your domain’s settings and pinpoint the issue over live chat.
