Why is my DNS change not visible yet?

You have just changed a DNS record, but your website still shows the old version, or your email still lands at the old provider. This is normal: DNS relies on caches, and each cache has to expire before it sees the new value. This guide explains this effect, known as DNS propagation, and how to check how far your change has spread.

How does DNS propagation work?

When someone visits your website, their computer asks a DNS server (often their internet provider's) for the address of your domain. That server queries your domain's zone, gets the answer, then keeps it in memory to be faster next time.

How long it keeps that answer is called the TTL (time to live). Until the TTL runs out, the server keeps answering with the old value, even if you have already changed it at Upkyo.

So there is no active "broadcast": each cache updates on its own, at its own pace. That is why a colleague may see your new website while you still see the old one.

How long should you wait?

• In general, allow a few minutes to a few hours.
• A change of name servers can take up to 48 hours, because it also goes through the extension's registry.
• If the old record had a long TTL (24 hours, for example), you have to wait at least that long for every cache to forget it.

Check propagation step by step

1. Open Domains and click your domain.
2. Open the DNS tab.
3. Click Propagation.
4. Compare the value returned by servers spread around the world with the one you entered.
5. If some servers still return the old value, wait: they will update when their cache expires.

Clear the caches on your side

Your computer and browser also have their own cache. To see the new value sooner:

• Browser: open a private window or clear the cache.
• Windows: in Command Prompt, type ipconfig /flushdns.
• Mac: in Terminal, type sudo dscacheutil -flushcache; sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder.
• Home router: restarting it sometimes clears its DNS cache.
• Phone on 4G or 5G: it uses another network, so often another cache. It is a good quick test.

How do you speed up your next change?

TTL can be set in advance. A few hours or a day before a major change (new server, new email provider), set the TTL of the record to 5 min. Caches will hold the old value for less time and the switch will be almost instant. Once everything is stable, set it back to Auto or a longer value. See Edit your DNS records.

What if nothing has changed after 48 hours?

If the delay is well past, the problem is rarely propagation. Check these points:

• The value you entered: a typo in an IP address or host name is enough to break everything.
• The record name: @ for the root domain, www for the www subdomain. Do not repeat the domain in the Name field.
• The name servers: if your domain uses name servers other than Upkyo's, the zone managed at Upkyo is not read. Fix them at the domain's registrar.
• A duplicate: two different A records for the same name make the answers alternate. Keep only one.
• The website itself: if DNS is correct but the page is still old, it may be the website's own cache or a CDN.

If everything looks right, open a ticket at /submitticket.php or email support@upkyo.com, giving the domain and the record you changed. Support answers 24/7.

Frequently asked questions

Why does my website show for a colleague but not for me?

You are not using the same DNS cache. Yours still holds the old value. Clear your computer's cache or test from a phone on mobile data.

Can you force DNS propagation?

No, nobody can clear every cache in the world remotely. You can only lower the TTL in advance for future changes, and clear your own caches.

How long does a name server change take?

It is often visible within an hour, but can take up to 48 hours. In the meantime, some visitors see the old setup and others the new one.

Will I lose emails while an MX change propagates?

Usually not: messages arrive either at the old server or the new one. Keep the old mailbox active for a few days to collect anything still delivered there, see MX record: what it does and how to change it.