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How to check DNS propagation

Compare DNS results across multiple public resolvers to see whether a recent change has fully propagated.

The short answer

Run a DNS propagation checker for the domain and record type you changed. It compares the authoritative nameserver's answer with what public resolvers return, so you can see which ones have updated and which are still caching the old value.

Use the free DNS Propagation CheckerUse the free DNS LookupUse the free Domain Checker

Step by step

  1. Open DNS Propagation Checker and enter the domain.
  2. Choose the record type you changed: A for an IP address, CNAME for an alias, MX for email, TXT for verification.
  3. Optionally enter the new value you expect, such as your new server IP.
  4. Review the table: Updated resolvers already serve the new value; Different ones are still caching the old one.
  5. Wait for the TTL shown, then click Check again.

Technical details

  • Each resolver may cache a record until its TTL expires, so a change can appear live on one resolver before another.
  • The authoritative nameserver is the source of truth. If it still shows the old value, the change was not saved at your DNS provider.

Common mistakes

  • Assuming a change is broken because one resolver still shows the old value.
  • Setting a very high TTL right before a planned change.
  • Checking propagation only from a single device or network.

Limitations

  • Eight public resolvers are a strong signal but cannot represent every ISP resolver worldwide.

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