What is DNS propagation?

DNS propagation describes how DNS changes spread across the internet. When you update a record, the change is immediate on your authoritative servers. But recursive servers worldwide have cached the old data.

Propagation happens as caches expire based on TTL (Time To Live) values. Different recursive servers expire at different times, so some see the new record while others still serve the old one.

During propagation, email might be delivered to both old and new destinations depending on which DNS server the sender queries.

Like broadcasting new docking instructions. Some harbor masters hear immediately, others continue with yesterday's assignments until their schedules refresh.

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