Question 1

What is DNS propagation?

Accepted Answer

It's the time DNS servers around the world take to replace a domain's old answer with the new one. Your change applies instantly where you made it; what takes time is every server on the internet clearing its own cache.

Question 2

Why should affiliates wait for propagation before advertising?

Accepted Answer

If the campaign goes live first, some clicks land on a page that doesn't load yet or on the old address: you pay for the click and lose the sale. Google Ads can also disapprove the ad for a destination that doesn't work. Check here and launch the campaign once the domain is ready.

Question 3

How long does propagation take?

Accepted Answer

Changing the address (A record) usually takes a few minutes to a few hours. Changing name servers (NS) can take up to 48 hours, because the domain registry keeps that information longer.

Question 4

Why do some servers still show the old value?

Accepted Answer

Each server keeps an answer for a period called the TTL. Until it expires, the server keeps replying with what it saved. Our tool shows how long each one has left.

Question 5

Can I speed up propagation?

Accepted Answer

You can't force other people's servers to forget their cache. What you can do is set a low TTL before the change, so the next change arrives faster.

Question 6

What's the difference between A and NS records?

Accepted Answer

The A record says which IP address the domain points to, that is, where the page is hosted. NS says which name servers answer for the domain, for example Cloudflare's. Switching hosting changes the A; switching DNS manager changes the NS. This tool checks both at once.

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DNS propagation FAQ

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