When you change your domain's NS addresses or DNS records, it takes some time for the change to be visible everywhere on the internet. This process is called DNS propagation.
Why isn't it instant?
Internet service providers and your own computer keep the answers to DNS queries in a cache for a while. This period is called TTL (Time To Live). The old address keeps being used until the cached record expires.
- NS changes: usually a few hours, at most 24-48 hours.
- A, CNAME, MX, TXT record changes: usually a few minutes to a few hours, depending on the TTL value.
What happens during this time?
Some visitors may see the new version of your site, others the old one. E-mails may briefly arrive at the old server. This is temporary and fixes itself once propagation is complete.
How can I speed it up?
- Clear your computer's DNS cache:
- Windows:
ipconfig /flushdnsin Command Prompt - Mac:
sudo dscacheutil -flushcache; sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponderin Terminal
- Windows:
- Clear your browser cache or try a private window.
- Restart your modem.
- If you are planning a migration, lower the TTL value to 300 seconds one day before the change.
How do I check propagation?
Enter your domain on sites such as dnschecker.org or whatsmydns.net to see which address is visible from different locations in the world. You can also use the nslookup yourdomain.com command.
