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Verify DNS Propagation

Check if your DNS updates are live. Use our free DNS checker tool to verify propagation status globally and troubleshoot domain connection issues.
Domain Name System DNS Nexcess Website Management
2 min read

Introduction

When you update your domain’s DNS records, such as changing an IP address or switching nameservers, the internet doesn’t notice instantly. These changes must “propagate” across servers worldwide, a process that typically takes 12 to 48 hours. During this transition, some visitors may still see your old site while others see the new one. This guide explains how to use our free tool to track exactly where your new records are live.

Prerequisites

  • A publicly available domain.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Visit our free DNS Checker tool.
  2. Enter your domain and select the appropriate Record Type from the dropdown.
    • Select A if you changed your website’s IP address.
    • Select NS if you changed your nameservers.
    • Select MX if you changed your email provider.
  3. Click Look up DNS.
  4. Review the results. You will see a list of global locations. If the “Result” column matches your new settings, the change has propagated to that region.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Propagation time depends on the “TTL” (Time To Live) setting on your old DNS records. If your TTL was set to 24 hours, servers worldwide will wait that long before checking for updates.

You can’t speed it up after you’ve made the change. However, if you plan ahead, you can lower your TTL values a day before your migration to help produce faster updates next time.

Your computer or local wifi network might be “caching” (remembering) the old IP address. Try clearing your browser cache or flushing your local DNS.

This is normal during the propagation window. It means the update has reached some parts of the world but not others. Wait a few more hours and check again.

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