When you add a new domain, change DNS records, or move your website to a new server, the changes do not take effect instantly worldwide. This delay is called **DNS propagation**. This guide explains what it is, why it happens, and how to check if your changes have taken effect.

### What Is DNS Propagation?

DNS propagation is the process of updating DNS records across all DNS servers worldwide. When you change a DNS record, the update starts at your authoritative DNS server. Other DNS servers around the world then fetch and cache this new information over time.

### How Long Does Propagation Take?

- **Standard TTL:** Up to **48 hours** for changes to fully propagate worldwide.
- **Lower TTL:** If your records have a low TTL (e.g., 300 seconds), propagation can happen in minutes.
- **New domains:** New domain registrations can take up to 24 hours to become accessible.

### Checking DNS Propagation

Use these online tools to check if your DNS changes have propagated:

- `https://dnschecker.org` — Shows DNS resolution from multiple locations worldwide.
- `https://whatsmydns.net` — Similar to DNS Checker, checks propagation from various locations.
- `https://mxtoolbox.com/DNSLookup.aspx` — Checks individual DNS records.

To check from your computer:

- **Windows:** Open Command Prompt and type `nslookup yourdomain.com`
- **macOS/Linux:** Open Terminal and type `dig yourdomain.com` or `nslookup yourdomain.com`

### Speeding Up DNS Propagation

While you cannot force global propagation, you can speed it up by:

- **Lowering your TTL** before making changes — set TTL to 300 seconds (5 minutes) at least 24 hours before planned DNS changes.
- **Clearing your local DNS cache** — this only affects your own computer:
  - **Windows:** Run `ipconfig /flushdns` in Command Prompt.
  - **macOS:** Run `sudo dscacheutil -flushcache` in Terminal.
  - **Linux:** Run `sudo systemd-resolve --flush-caches`.
- **Using a different DNS resolver** — try `8.8.8.8` (Google) or `1.1.1.1` (Cloudflare) to check if changes are visible.

### Important Notes

- DNS propagation is gradual — different locations may see different results at different times.
- During propagation, some visitors may see the old site and others the new one.
- Changes to SSL certificates and email settings may also be affected by DNS propagation timing.
- Be patient — most DNS changes propagate within a few hours, not the full 48 hours.

### Troubleshooting

**Your site shows on some devices but not others:**

- This is normal during DNS propagation. Different devices and networks may be using different cached DNS records.
- Flush the DNS cache on the device that shows the old result.

**DNS changes have not propagated after 48 hours:**

- Verify the DNS records are correct in Plesk (**Websites & Domains** → **DNS**).
- Confirm the domain is using the correct nameservers at your registrar.
- Contact your hosting provider for assistance.

### Related Guides

- [Manage your DNS records](/hc/help/en/articles/how-to-manage-dns-records-in-plesk)
- [Check records with the DNS Inspector](/hc/help/en/articles/how-to-check-dns-records-with-the-plesk-dns-inspector)
- [Set up DNSSEC](/hc/help/en/articles/how-to-set-up-dnssec-for-your-domain-in-plesk)