When you change DNS settings, the update is not applied instantly everywhere.
This delay is called DNS propagation.

DNS propagation is normal behavior and affects all hosting providers worldwide.

What DNS Propagation Means #

DNS servers across the internet store copies of DNS records.
When a DNS change is made, these servers need time to update their cached data.

Until all servers update, different users may see different results.

How Long DNS Propagation Takes #

DNS propagation usually takes:

• A few minutes for initial changes
• Up to 24 hours in most cases
• Up to 48 hours in rare cases

The exact time depends on external DNS providers and internet service providers.

What Can Be Affected During Propagation #

During propagation, you may experience:

• Website loading on some devices but not others
• Email delivery delays
• Old server content still appearing
• Inconsistent behavior between locations

This is expected and temporary.

Common DNS Changes That Trigger Propagation #

Propagation occurs after changes such as:

• Updating A or AAAA records
• Changing MX records
• Modifying SPF, DKIM or DMARC records
• Switching nameservers
• Editing CNAME records

Any DNS change can trigger propagation.

TTL and Its Role #

TTL stands for Time To Live.

TTL determines how long DNS records are cached before being refreshed.

Lower TTL values:

• Allow faster updates
• Increase DNS query frequency

Higher TTL values:

• Reduce DNS load
• Increase propagation time

TTL settings only apply after the previous TTL has expired.

What You Should and Should Not Do During Propagation #

You should: #

• Wait until propagation completes
• Test from multiple devices or networks
• Avoid making repeated DNS changes

You should not: #

• Revert DNS changes too quickly
• Assume something is broken immediately
• Create multiple conflicting DNS records

Multiple changes can restart propagation.

DNS Propagation and Email #

Email delivery may be affected if:

• MX records were changed
• SPF, DKIM or DMARC records were updated

Emails sent during propagation may:

• Be delayed
• Be delivered to the old server
• Fail temporarily

This resolves automatically once propagation completes.

Responsibility Notice #

You are responsible for:

• Making correct DNS changes
• Allowing enough time for propagation
• Avoiding unnecessary DNS edits

Propagation delays are outside the control of ProRedLine.