DNS Propagation Time for Changes
Whenever you update DNS records in your domain's zone file, the rest of the Internet must recognize and apply those changes. This process is known as DNS propagation.
Typically, DNS changes propagate within a few hours, but in some cases, it can take up to 48 hours for the updates to fully spread across all DNS servers worldwide.
Factors Affecting DNS Propagation
- TTL (Time to Live): Each DNS record has a TTL value, which defines how long a server should cache the record before checking for updates.
For example, if a record has a TTL of 1 hour, servers will retain the data locally for 60 minutes before refreshing it.
A shorter TTL speeds up propagation but may increase the frequency of DNS queries, potentially impacting performance. - Your ISP (Internet Service Provider): ISPs often cache DNS records to speed up browsing and reduce network traffic.
However, some ISPs ignore TTL settings and only refresh cached records every 48 to 72 hours, which can delay propagation. - Your domain registrar: When you update your domain's nameservers, the change is submitted to the domain registry.
Most registries update root zone records quickly, but some may take several hours or even days.
Important Note
In most cases, DNS updates will be active within a few hours. However, due to external factors beyond your control, it is recommended to allow up to 48 hours for full propagation.
If the changes are still not visible after 48 hours, the issue might be caused by incorrect DNS settings or configuration errors. In that case, review your records and contact technical support.
