How DNS Propagation Works

What is DNS Propagation? A Simple Guide

DNS propagation is the time it takes for changes to your domain’s DNS settings to spread across the internet. This happens when you update nameservers, point your domain to a new web host, or change email records. The updates don’t take effect instantly, they take time to be seen worldwide.

What is DNS?

DNS stands for Domain Name System. It works like a phonebook for the internet. It turns easy-to-remember domain names like telahosting.com into numbers (104.21.19.204) that computers use to find websites.

Why Does DNS Propagation Happen?

When you change your DNS settings, those changes must be updated on DNS servers all over the world. These servers store (or “cache”) DNS data, and it can take hours or days before they update with the new details.

When Does DNS Propagation Occur?

It happens when you do things like:

• Change your domain’s nameservers
• Update A, CNAME, MX, or TXT records
• Switch to a new hosting provider

How Long Does It Take?

DNS propagation can take from a few minutes to 72 hours, depending on:

• TTL (Time To Live): This tells DNS servers how long to store old data before checking for updates.
• Your ISP: Some internet providers update faster than others.
• Your location: Some parts of the world see the changes sooner than others.

Can You Speed It Up?

You can’t fully control DNS propagation, but here are tips to help:

• Set a low TTL value before making changes (like 300 seconds).
• Clear your browser and computer’s DNS cache.
• Use global tools to check DNS updates in real time.

How to Check DNS Propagation

Use these free tools to see if your changes are live:

• DNS Checker
• What’s My DNS

Final Thoughts

DNS propagation is a normal part of running a website. If you’ve made changes to your domain, just give it a little time to fully update. If you’re ever unsure, contact us at telaHosting for help.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is DNS propagation instant?

No. It usually takes a few hours to 72 hours, depending on various factors like TTL settings and your internet provider.

2. What happens if DNS hasn’t fully propagated?

Some visitors may see your old site or get errors while others see the new version. This is normal and should settle soon.

3. Do I need to change DNS when switching hosting providers?

Yes. If your website is moving to a different server, you’ll need to update your domain’s DNS records to point to the new host.