What is DNS propagation?

DNS propagation is the time it takes for DNS changes to spread across all DNS servers worldwide. When you update a DNS record, it can take 24-48 hours for all servers to reflect the change.

How long does DNS propagation take?

DNS propagation typically takes 24-48 hours, but can be faster with lower TTL values. Some changes may propagate within minutes while others take longer depending on caching.

What are the different DNS record types?

Common DNS record types include: A (IPv4 address), AAAA (IPv6 address), CNAME (alias), MX (mail servers), TXT (text data like SPF), NS (nameservers), and CAA (certificate authority authorization).

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What is DNS?

DNS (Domain Name System) is the internet's phonebook. It translates human-readable domain names into IP addresses that computers use to communicate. Without DNS, you'd need to remember IP addresses for every website.

Domain resolution — Converts example.com to 93.184.216.34
Email routing — MX records direct email to the right servers
Verification — TXT records prove domain ownership
Load balancing — Multiple A records distribute traffic

DNS Record Types Explained

A Record

Maps domain to IPv4 address (e.g., 93.184.216.34)

AAAA Record

Maps domain to IPv6 address

CNAME Record

Creates an alias to another domain

MX Record

Specifies mail servers for the domain

TXT Record

Stores text data (SPF, DKIM, verification)

NS Record

Specifies authoritative nameservers

Understanding DNS Propagation

DNS propagation is the time it takes for DNS changes to spread across all DNS servers worldwide. Here's why it takes time:

1
TTL Caching
DNS servers cache records based on TTL (Time To Live) values
2
ISP Caching
Internet providers have their own caching policies
3
Geographic Distribution
Different servers update at different times globally
4
Typical Duration
Usually 24-48 hours, but can be faster with low TTL

Common DNS Issues & Solutions

DNS not resolving — Check NS records point to your DNS provider and A/AAAA records are configured
Email not working — Verify MX records and check TXT records for SPF, DKIM, DMARC
Inconsistent results — Propagation still in progress, wait for TTL to expire
SSL certificate errors — Check CAA records allow your certificate authority

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