Domain name propagation, often called DNS propagation, is the waiting time after you change your domain's settings, such as when you connect a new domain or point it to your Rocketspark website. During this time some people may see your new website while others still see the old one, or nothing at all. This guide explains why that happens, how long it takes and what you can do in the meantime.
Why your domain change isn't showing yet
When someone types your website address into their browser, a DNS server (a computer that acts like the internet's address book) looks up where your website lives. It then sends the visitor to the right place, using a string of numbers called an IP address.
To keep things fast, DNS servers around the world save a copy of that information for a set time. When you make a change, each server keeps using its saved copy until it expires. That's why the update reaches different people, and different internet providers, at different times.
This short video shows what happens behind the scenes when you load a website.
How long does propagation take?
The timing depends on what you've changed:
- Nameserver changes (when you point your domain to a different company's system) usually take up to 24 hours, and occasionally up to 48 hours.
- DNS record changes (individual settings, such as the records for your website or email) usually update within about an hour but can take up to 24 hours. Records managed with another domain provider can take longer, depending on their settings.
What you can do while you wait
- Clear your browser's cache. Your browser keeps its own saved copy of websites, so clearing it can help you see the update sooner. See How do I clear my caching?
- Try a different device or network. For example, turn off wifi on your phone and use mobile data. If the new site shows there, the change is working and your usual network hasn't caught up yet.
- Check progress online. A free DNS propagation checker like who.is shows whether servers around the world are seeing your new settings.
Tips and things to watch out for
- Avoid making more changes during propagation unless you need to. Each new change restarts the wait.
- Email can be affected too. If you've changed nameservers or email records, some messages may take a little longer to arrive until propagation finishes.
- Different people seeing different versions of your site during this time is normal. It doesn't mean something is broken.
Frequently asked questions
Why can I see my new website but my customer can't?
You're likely using a different internet provider or device, and their DNS server hasn't updated its saved copy yet. It will catch up, usually within 24 hours.
Can I speed up DNS propagation?
Not for the rest of the world, as each server updates on its own schedule. You can see the change sooner yourself by clearing your browser's cache or trying another network.
My domain still isn't working after 48 hours. What should I do?
Get in touch with us. After 48 hours, the delay is unlikely to be propagation, and it's worth checking that your settings are correct.
Is my website down during propagation?
No. Your website is still live. Some visitors are being sent to the old location until their DNS server updates.
Need more help?
If it's been more than 48 hours and your domain still isn't showing your Rocketspark website, flick us a message at support@rocketspark.com.