Understanding DNS Propagation
After a DNS change, it does not update everywhere instantly — this delay is called propagation. Knowing how it works saves a lot of worry.
Step-by-step
- Understand the cause. DNS results are cached around the world for a set time (the TTL); changes only appear once those caches expire.
- Expect minutes to a few hours for record edits, and up to 24–48 hours for nameserver changes in rare cases.
- Lower the TTL before a planned change. Reduce it (e.g. to 300 seconds) a day ahead so the change propagates faster.
- Check progress with an online "DNS checker" tool that queries multiple locations worldwide.
- Flush your local cache to see changes sooner on your own computer (restart the browser, or clear the OS DNS cache).
- Be patient with email. Mail may briefly arrive at the old or new server during MX changes — keep both accessible.
💡 Good to know
- You cannot force the whole internet to update instantly — propagation simply takes its time.
- Seeing the change on your phone but not your PC (or vice versa) is normal mid-propagation.
- Plan DNS changes for low-traffic periods to minimise impact.