After you update your DNS records or change your nameservers, your website doesn't update instantly. This delay is known as DNS Propagation.
1. What is it?
When you change a DNS record, every server across the internet must update its own "address book" to reflect your new settings. Because there are millions of servers worldwide, this process takes time—typically between 1 and 24 hours.
2. Why can some people see my site while I can't?
DNS updates happen in waves. Your local Internet Service Provider (ISP) might cache (save) your old DNS settings for longer than a provider in another country. This means your site might appear "live" in Australia but "down" in New Zealand for a few hours.
3. How to check your progress
You can use a global DNS checker to see how your records are appearing around the world:
- Visit DNSChecker.org
- Enter your domain and select the record type (e.g., A for website IP or MX for email).
- If you see green checkmarks globally, propagation is mostly complete.
4. How to speed things up on your computer
If the DNS checker shows the correct information but your browser still shows the old site, your computer or router is likely "remembering" the old data. You can try:
- Flush your DNS: (Windows:
ipconfig /flushdns| Mac:sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder) - Incognito Mode: Open your site in a private/incognito window to bypass browser cache.
- Mobile Data: Turn off Wi-Fi on your phone and check the site using your cellular network.
Pro Tip: If you are planning a migration, you can lower your TTL (Time to Live) to 300 seconds (5 minutes) one day before the move. This tells the internet to check for updates more frequently, making the final switch much faster.
