Global DNS Propagation Checker Tool
DNS Propagation is the process where domain record updates spread across global caching servers. It is critical for verifying server migrations and service updates worldwide.
Track your DNS updates in real-time across the globe. See if your records match the baseline from multiple geographic locations instantly.
Type a domain to check DNS records.
What is DNS Propagation?
DNS propagation is the timeframe required for DNS changes to be updated across the entire internet. When you update a DNS record—such as changing your web server's IP address or switching mail providers—the new information doesn't instantly appear for every user globally. Instead, it "propagates" through a vast network of caching servers.
This process involves thousands of internet service providers (ISPs), public resolvers like Google and Cloudflare, and corporate networks. Because each of these entities caches DNS data to improve browsing speed, they must wait for their local cache to expire before fetching the updated records from your authoritative nameservers.
Why Propagation Takes Time
TTL (Time to Live)
TTL is the primary factor in DNS propagation speed. It is a value (in seconds) set by you on the DNS record that tells resolvers how long they can keep a copy of that record. If your TTL is set to 86,400 seconds (24 hours), it may take a full day for some users to see your changes.
Recursive Resolver Caching
Recursive DNS resolvers (like those operated by your ISP) are the workhorses of the DNS. They sit between the user and the authoritative server. These servers may sometimes ignore very short TTLs to protect their performance, leading to longer-than-expected propagation times.
The Global View: Resolver Disparity
One of the most common points of confusion during a migration is why a website works in London but not in New York. This happens because the resolvers in those regions have different refresh cycles. A Global DNS Check allows you to see exactly where your changes have taken effect and where the old data is still being served.
Public DNS providers like Google (8.8.8.8) and Cloudflare (1.1.1.1) generally have very high-performance infrastructure and refresh their caches quickly once a TTL expires. Local ISPs in smaller regions may take longer, leading to a fragmented user experience during the transition period.
Best Practices for Faster Propagation
Lower TTL in Advance: 24–48 hours before a planned migration, lower your TTL to 300 seconds (5 minutes). This ensures that once you make the actual switch, caches will expire almost immediately.
Audit Current Records: Use a Global DNS Checker to identify existing records you might have forgotten (like old AAAA records or forgotten subdomains).
Don't Delete Old Servers Immediately: Keep your old server running for at least 48 hours after a DNS change to handle traffic from resolvers that still have the old IP cached.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I check if my DNS has propagated?
Use our Global DNS Checker to query dozens of resolvers worldwide simultaneously. If the majority return your new IP address, propagation is well underway. If you see inconsistent results, some regions are likely still serving cached data.
Can I force DNS propagation?
You cannot "force" other servers to update, but you can "flush" the cache of many. Check your TTL settings to understand your specific refresh cycle.
Why is propagation still not finished after 48 hours?
If changes aren't visible after 48 hours, it is likely not a propagation issue but a configuration error. Verify your Nameserver (NS) records at your registrar to ensure they match your expected zone.
Monitor Your Changes Globally
Our Global DNS Propagation Checker provides a real-time window into the state of the internet's mapping infrastructure. Whether you're migrating servers, adding security headers, or launching a new app, stay informed about your global visibility.