How to Check DNS Propagation Status
You just changed your nameservers or updated an A record, but when you visit your website, it still loads the old host (or doesn't load at all). This happens because of a process called DNS Propagation. Here is why it happens and how to monitor it.
What is DNS Propagation?
When you update a DNS record, you are updating the master phonebook for your domain. However, internet service providers (ISPs) all over the world — like AT&T, Vodafone, or Airtel — keep local, cached copies of that phonebook to speed up internet browsing for their users. It can take anywhere from a few minutes to 48 hours for every ISP globally to clear their cache and fetch your new Hostinap server IP address.
Why Does My Site Load on Mobile But Not Desktop?
This is the most common symptom of propagation. Your phone's cellular network (e.g. 5G) uses a different DNS cache than your home WiFi provider. One has updated to the new record, and the other is still caching the old one. Neither is "broken" — you just have to wait.
How to Check Propagation Status Globally
Do not rely on your own browser to check if a site has moved. Use a global checking tool:
- Go to whatsmydns.net.
- Enter your domain name (e.g.
yourdomain.com). - From the dropdown, select the record type you changed. Select NS if you changed Nameservers, or A if you updated an IP address.
- Click Search.
The map will show the result from dozens of servers worldwide. If you see a mix of red X's and green ticks (or a mix of old IPs and new IPs), propagation is still ongoing. Once it is all green with your new Hostinap IP, propagation is complete.
How to Speed Up Future Propagation (Advanced)
If you know you are migrating a website tomorrow, you can lower the TTL (Time To Live) value of your DNS records today. The TTL tells ISPs how long in seconds they should cache the record. If you lower the TTL to 300 (5 minutes) a day before the move, the switch will happen almost instantly when you finally change the IP.
A Temporary Fix For You
While you wait for your local ISP to update, you can often bypass their outdated cache by configuring your computer to use Google Public DNS (8.8.8.8) or Cloudflare DNS (1.1.1.1), which update their records much faster than standard home ISPs.
Is Your Domain Taking Too Long to Resolve?
If it has been more than 48 hours and propagation is still failing, you may have entered the nameservers incorrectly at your registrar. Send our support team a message on WhatsApp and we will verify the setup for you.