When you change your domain's nameservers or DNS records, the change doesn't reach everyone at the same moment. This delay is known as DNS propagation.

How long it takes

Why it happens

Internet providers and devices keep a copy of your domain's DNS for a set time, known as the TTL (time to live), so they don't have to look it up on every visit. Until their copy expires, they keep using the old details. This is why your website may show the new version for you but the old version for someone else or the other way round.

Checking progress

• Use whatsmydns.net to see what DNS servers around the world return for your domain.
• Clear the DNS cache on your computer:
  • Windows: open Command Prompt and run ipconfig /flushdns
  • macOS: open Terminal and run sudo dscacheutil -flushcache; sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder
• Try a private browser window or a different network, such as your mobile data.

While you wait

• Keep your old hosting active until propagation is complete, so no visitors see an error.
• Check both mailboxes. For a short time, email may arrive at either your old provider or PaduHost.
• Expect a brief security warning. Your free SSL certificate is issued once your domain points to us. If the warning is still there 24 hours after your domain points to PaduHost, see Free SSL certificates (Let's Encrypt) or open a support ticket.

Planning to move an existing website? See Avoiding downtime during a move to keep disruption to a minimum.