When you make a change to your domain's DNS (Domain Name System) records, such as changing your nameservers to point to a new host, those changes are not instant. The process of these updates spreading across the internet is called DNS propagation.
How DNS Works (Simply)
Think of the DNS as the internet's phonebook. It translates human-friendly domain names (like www.arh24.com) into computer-friendly IP addresses (like 192.0.2.1).
When you visit a website, your computer asks a nearby DNS server (usually from your Internet Service Provider, or ISP) for the IP address. To be fast, that server saves, or "caches," the answer for a certain period (known as TTL, or Time To Live).
Why Does Propagation Take Time?
DNS propagation is not a single "push" of information. Instead, it's a gradual "pull" process. The internet is a massive, decentralized network of DNS servers. When you update a DNS record, you are only updating it on your domain's authoritative nameserver.
It then takes time for all the other DNS servers across the globe to check back with the authoritative server and update their own cached records. This can take anywhere from a few minutes to 48 hours, and sometimes even longer in rare cases.
Factors Affecting Propagation Time:
- TTL (Time To Live): Every DNS record has a TTL value, which tells other servers how long to cache the information before checking for an update. A shorter TTL means faster updates, but can increase load on nameservers.
- ISPs: Different Internet Service Providers have their own schedules for refreshing their DNS caches. Some are fast, others are slower.
- Your Location: A server in your city might get the update faster than a server on the other side of the world.
What Can You Do?
Unfortunately, you cannot speed up DNS propagation directly, as it depends on third-party servers worldwide. However, you can:
- Be Patient: This is the most important step. Wait for at least 24-48 hours after making a major DNS change.
- Check Propagation: Use online tools like whatsmydns.net to see how your DNS changes are spreading across different locations.
- Flush Your Local DNS Cache: Sometimes your own computer has the old record cached. You can flush your local DNS to force it to look for the new record.
During the propagation period, some visitors might see your new site, while others still see the old one. This is normal and will resolve itself once propagation is complete.