DNS propagation is the time it takes for DNS changes to be updated across the internet.
When you change DNS records, the update does not apply everywhere instantly.

This delay is normal and unavoidable.

Why DNS Propagation Exists #

DNS information is cached by:

• Internet service providers
• Public DNS resolvers
• Local networks and devices

These systems refresh DNS data at different times.
Until caches expire, older DNS information may still be used.

How Long DNS Propagation Takes #

DNS propagation typically takes:

• A few minutes for some locations
• Up to 24 hours in most cases
• Up to 48 hours in rare cases

Exact timing depends on external systems outside ProRedLine’s control.

What You May Notice During Propagation #

During propagation, you may experience:

• Website working on one device but not another
• Email working intermittently
• Old website content still showing
• SSL certificates not activating immediately

These effects resolve automatically once propagation completes.

DNS Changes That Trigger Propagation #

Propagation occurs after changes such as:

• Updating A or AAAA records
• Changing MX records
• Modifying TXT records
• Switching DNS providers
• Editing CNAME records

Any DNS edit can restart propagation.

TTL and DNS Caching #

TTL stands for Time To Live.

TTL determines how long DNS records are cached before refreshing.

Important notes:

• TTL changes only apply after the previous TTL expires
• Lower TTL allows faster future changes
• Higher TTL increases stability but slows updates

What You Should Do During Propagation #

You should:

• Wait patiently for changes to apply
• Test from multiple networks if needed
• Avoid making repeated DNS changes

Repeated edits can restart the propagation process.

What You Should Not Do #

You should not:

• Assume the service is broken immediately
• Undo changes too quickly
• Make conflicting DNS edits
• Open multiple support requests for the same change

Propagation is not a server fault.

DNS Propagation and Email #

Email propagation delays may cause:

• Delayed email delivery
• Email being delivered to old mail servers
• Temporary email failures

Once propagation completes, delivery normalizes automatically.

Responsibility Notice #

You are responsible for:

• Allowing sufficient propagation time
• Making correct DNS changes
• Avoiding unnecessary edits

DNS propagation delays are outside ProRedLine’s control.