DNS propagation is the period during which changes made to your domain's DNS settings are updated and distributed across DNS servers around the world. During this time, internet service providers (ISPs) and DNS resolvers gradually refresh their cached records, allowing your domain to point to its new destination.
DNS propagation typically occurs after you make changes such as:
- Changing your domain's nameservers.
- Updating an A Record.
- Modifying a CNAME record.
- Changing an MX Record for email.
- Adding or updating a TXT Record (such as SPF, DKIM, or domain verification records).
- Connecting your domain to a new hosting provider or DNS service.
In most cases, DNS changes begin to take effect within a few minutes to a few hours. However, complete DNS propagation can take up to 24 to 48 hours worldwide, depending on factors such as DNS caching by internet service providers, DNS record Time to Live (TTL) values, and the DNS resolver being used by visitors.
During the propagation period, it is normal for different users to experience different results. For example:
- Some visitors may see your new website, while others still see the old one.
- Your website may load correctly on one device or network but not on another.
- Business email may begin working for some users before others.
- DNS lookup tools may show different records from different locations.
This is expected behaviour and does not necessarily indicate a problem with your domain or hosting.
While DNS propagation is in progress, we recommend that you:
- Avoid making additional DNS changes unless necessary.
- Allow sufficient time for the changes to propagate worldwide.
- Continue using the correct DNS settings provided by your hosting or DNS provider.
- Clear your browser cache or local DNS cache if you continue to see outdated information on your own device.
Please note that SIRSTEVEHQ cannot speed up DNS propagation, as it is controlled by DNS resolvers and internet service providers across the world. Once your DNS changes have been successfully saved, propagation occurs automatically.
If more than 48 hours have passed and your DNS changes are still not taking effect, please submit a Support Ticket. Include your domain name and details of the DNS changes you made. Our Support Team will verify your DNS configuration and help identify any issues that may be preventing the changes from propagating correctly.
