Domain DNS zone propagation is the process of updating the information about a domain name on the internet.
How DNS propagation works
When changes are made to a domain’s DNS records, such as updating your domain nameservers or adding MX records to use an email service, propagation is triggered. These changes are then communicated to the network of DNS servers worldwide so that they can be updated with the latest information.
The propagation process is fully automatic and can take up to 24 hours. This is because it takes time for the changes to be passed along to all the existing DNS servers worldwide.
The amount of time can also differ depending on the DNS record type. For example, changes to NS (nameservers) or A records (which map a domain name to an IP address) may propagate in less than 24 hours, and some can be even faster. In rare cases, a certain record might take up to 72 hours to propagate.
Check DNS propagation progress
You can use online tools such as DNS Checker to check the progress. Just insert your domain name, choose the DNS record type, and click Search:
Here is a guide about the different types of results you may get:
-
All cross marks ❌ – the propagation has not started. This is typically the case if the record you’re searching for does not exist. If the record has been added to your domain’s DNS zone more than 24 hours ago, it can indicate a propagating issue.
-
A combination of cross marks ❌ and check marks ✅ – the propagation is in process and should be completed in time.
-
All check marks ✅ – the propagation is completed, and your record is fully updated worldwide and should work correctly.
If it’s been more than 24 hours and you’re still seeing cross marks, this can indicate a DNS configuration issue rather than normal propagation delay — see how to fix DNS issues at Hostinger to check for incorrect records, active DNSSEC, or other common causes.
What to do while waiting for propagation
While your DNS changes propagate, you don’t have to wait to keep working:
- If your domain is in the process of being pointed to Hostinger, you can continue working on your website using the preview URL.
- You can also edit your computer’s hosts file to temporarily map the domain to the new IP address.
If you encounter any issues after verifying that the propagation process is completed, flush the DNS cache on your device and check again.