Propagation Delay
The lag before DNS updates spread across global servers, meaning changes like new domain records take time to activate worldwide.
Propagation delay is the time it takes for DNS changes to spread across the internet's global network of servers. When you update your domain's DNS records, such as pointing to a new hosting provider or changing nameservers, the information doesn't update instantly everywhere. Instead, it gradually propagates through thousands of DNS servers worldwide, a process that can take anywhere from a few minutes to 48 hours, though most changes complete within a few hours. During this period, some visitors might see your old site while others see the new one, depending on which DNS server their internet provider queries. This delay exists because DNS servers cache information for efficiency, and each server updates its cache at different intervals. Understanding propagation delay helps you plan website migrations, domain transfers, and DNS updates without panicking when changes don't appear immediately for all users.
