How Long Does DNS Propagation Take?

When you make a change to your DNS records - whether you're updating an A record, changing MX records, or switching nameservers - the change doesn't take effect everywhere in the world instantly. This process is called DNS propagation, and it takes time.

How Long Does It Take?

DNS propagation typically takes 24 to 48 hours to complete worldwide. In many cases you'll see changes reflected within a few hours, but some DNS resolvers cache records for longer depending on the TTL setting.

Why Does Propagation Take So Long?

DNS resolvers around the world cache DNS records for a period of time defined by the record's TTL (Time to Live). Until that cache expires, those resolvers will continue serving the old DNS information. Once the TTL expires, they query the authoritative nameserver again and pick up the new value.

How to Speed Up Propagation

If you know you're going to make a DNS change, lower the TTL of the affected record 24–48 hours in advance. A TTL of 300 (5 minutes) means resolvers will refresh the record every 5 minutes, so your change propagates much faster.

What to Expect During Propagation

During propagation, different users around the world may see different results depending on which DNS resolver they use. This is normal. Your site or email service is not broken - it's just that not all resolvers have picked up the change yet.

To check propagation progress, see our article on How to Check DNS Propagation. If you're concerned about a specific change, contact our support team for help.