Introduction

You’ve registered a domain, updated your nameservers, and set up hosting—so why isn’t your website accessible instantly? The answer lies in DNS propagation. This process can take anywhere from 24 to 72 hours, leaving many website owners frustrated.

In this guide, we’ll break down what DNS propagation is, why it takes time, and what you can do while waiting for your domain to be fully accessible worldwide.

What Is DNS Propagation?

DNS propagation refers to the time it takes for Domain Name System (DNS) changes to spread across the internet. When you update your nameservers, the changes must be recognized by different Internet Service Providers (ISPs) and DNS servers globally.

Since DNS servers worldwide do not update simultaneously, some users may see your new website while others still access the old one. This period of inconsistency is known as DNS propagation.

Why Does DNS Propagation Take Time?

Several factors influence the time it takes for DNS changes to fully propagate:

1. Global DNS Caching Policies

ISPs and local networks store DNS records in a cache to speed up browsing. If your ISP has cached an older version of your DNS records, it may take time before they refresh and recognize the update.

2. Time to Live (TTL) Settings

TTL (Time to Live) is the amount of time DNS records are cached before checking for updates. If your old DNS records had a long TTL (e.g., 24 hours), some users may continue to see outdated information until the TTL expires.

3. Geographical Location

Since DNS changes must spread across thousands of servers worldwide, some regions update faster than others. This explains why your website may be accessible in one country but not in another.

4. Registrar Processing Time

Domain registrars process DNS updates at different speeds. Some apply changes within minutes, while others may take hours.

5. ISP DNS Refresh Rates

Some ISPs update their DNS records frequently, while others take longer. This is why users on different networks may experience different propagation times.

How to Check DNS Propagation Status

You don’t have to wait blindly—there are tools available to monitor DNS propagation in real-time.

1. Online DNS Propagation Checkers

Use these free online tools to see which regions have updated your DNS records:

• DNS Checker
• WhatsMyDNS

Simply enter your domain name, and these tools will show which global DNS servers have updated.

2. Command Line Tools

For a more technical check, you can use these methods:

Windows (Command Prompt):

1. Open Command Prompt (cmd in the search bar).
2. Type:

   nslookup yourdomain.com

3. Check if the results show your new DNS records.

Mac/Linux (Terminal):

1. Open Terminal.
2. Type:

   dig yourdomain.com

3. Look for your updated Bytesis Hosting nameservers.

How to Speed Up DNS Propagation

While you can’t force DNS servers worldwide to update instantly, you can take steps to speed up the process locally.

1. Flush Your DNS Cache

Your computer may store outdated DNS records. Flushing the cache forces it to request fresh DNS information.

Windows:

1. Open Command Prompt as an administrator.
2. Run the command:

   ipconfig /flushdns

MacOS:

1. Open Terminal.
2. Type:

   sudo dscacheutil -flushcache; sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder

Linux:

1. Open Terminal.
2. Restart the DNS service with:

   sudo systemctl restart nscd

2. Use a Faster DNS Provider

If your ISP is slow at updating DNS records, switch to a public DNS provider like Google DNS or Cloudflare DNS.

Google DNS:

• Primary: 8.8.8.8
• Secondary: 8.8.4.4

Cloudflare DNS:

• Primary: 1.1.1.1
• Secondary: 1.0.0.1

To update your DNS settings on Windows:

1. Go to Control Panel > Network and Sharing Center.
2. Click on your active network and go to Properties.
3. Select Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4).
4. Choose Use the following DNS server addresses and enter Google or Cloudflare’s DNS.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

1. My Website Still Isn’t Loading After 72 Hours

• Check propagation status using an online tool.
• Clear your browser cache or try opening your site in Incognito mode.
• Restart your router to clear ISP-level caching.
• Contact Bytesis Support if the issue persists.

2. My Website Loads on Some Devices But Not Others

• Your ISP’s DNS cache may not have updated. Try switching to Google DNS or Cloudflare DNS.
• Clear the DNS cache on your computer and router.
• Test on a different internet connection (e.g., mobile data).

3. My Emails Are Not Working After Changing Nameservers

• Ensure your MX (Mail Exchange) records are correctly set in your hosting account.
• If you use third-party email services (e.g., Google Workspace), check their recommended settings.
• Contact Bytesis Support for help configuring email settings.

Conclusion

DNS propagation is a necessary process whenever you update nameservers. While it usually takes 24-72 hours, you can monitor the progress and take local actions to speed it up. Flushing DNS cache, using faster DNS providers, and checking propagation tools can help ensure a smooth transition.

If your website is still not accessible after 72 hours, contact Bytesis Hosting Support for further assistance.

Need Further Help?

• Check DNS propagation with DNS Checker.
• Flush your DNS cache using the steps provided.
• Contact Bytesis Support for expert assistance.

By following this guide, you’ll ensure your website is up and running smoothly as soon as possible!