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Understanding DNS Propagation: Why Your Website Might Show Outdated Content

Last updated on Aug 08, 2025

Understanding DNS Propagation: Why Your Website Might Show Outdated Content

Last updated: July 2025

Description

When you make changes to your domain’s DNS settings—like updating nameservers, switching web hosts, or editing DNS records—your website may temporarily show cached or outdated content. This is completely normal and is caused by a process known as DNS propagation. In this article, we’ll explain what DNS propagation is, why it affects what you see, and how you can verify or resolve these issues on your own devices.

What Is DNS Propagation?

DNS propagation refers to the time it takes for changes made to your domain’s DNS records to be updated and recognised across the entire internet. When you update your domain’s DNS settings (for example, by pointing your domain to Eco Web Hosting’s servers), it can take anywhere from a few minutes to up to 48 hours for those changes to be recognised everywhere.

**Why does this happen?**Internet Service Providers (ISPs), browsers, and devices cache DNS information to make future lookups faster. When you change your DNS, these caches might still serve the old data until they expire.

Why Might You See Outdated Content?

  • DNS caching: Your ISP, device, or browser may still be using the old DNS records.
  • Browser caching: Browsers can store website content, showing older versions even after DNS has updated.
  • Regional delays: Some networks or regions update their DNS caches slower than others.

Common Scenarios

  • You’ve just pointed your domain to Eco Web Hosting, but your site still loads from your old host.
  • A new website or update isn’t visible, but others (customers or colleagues) can see it.
  • You receive a “This website has been deactivated” or similar message after moving hosts.
  • Email routing changes don’t seem to take effect immediately.

How to Check if DNS Has Propagated

1. Use Online DNS Propagation Tools

Check if your DNS updates are live around the world:

Instructions:

  1. Enter your domain name.
  2. Select the record type (e.g., A, CNAME, MX).
  3. Review the results from multiple locations.

2. Test from Different Devices or Networks

  • Use a mobile device on 4G/5G instead of your Wi-Fi.
  • Ask a friend or colleague in another region to check your site.
  • Test with a different browser or use incognito/private mode.

3. Clear DNS Cache on Your Computer

Windows

ipconfig /flushdns

MacOS

sudo dscacheutil -flushcache; sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder

Linux

Restart the nscd service or use your distribution’s method.

4. Clear Browser Cache

  • **Chrome:**Go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Clear Browsing Data, and select "Cached images and files".
  • **Firefox:**Settings > Privacy & Security > Cookies and Site Data > Clear Data.
  • **Edge, Safari, etc.:**Look for similar cache-clearing options.

Troubleshooting DNS Propagation Issues

My Website Still Shows Old Content

  1. Confirm DNS settings:
    • Log in to your Eco Web Hosting client area or cPanel.
    • Double-check that the domain is pointed to the correct nameservers and IP address.
  2. Allow time for propagation:
    • Full propagation can take up to 48 hours, though it’s often much quicker.
  3. Clear local and browser caches:
    • See instructions above.
  4. Check with online tools:
    • Use DNS checkers to compare what’s showing in different regions.
  5. Restart your router:
    • Sometimes routers cache DNS info. Restarting can help.

Example: Changing Nameservers

If you change your domain’s nameservers to Eco Web Hosting’s:

  • **Expected behaviour:**Some users see the new site, others see the old site, depending on their cache.
  • **Solution:**Wait for propagation, clear DNS/browser cache, and monitor with DNS checker tools.

Tips for a Smooth Transition

  • **Plan for downtime:**If possible, make DNS changes during off-peak hours.
  • **Keep your old hosting active:**Don’t cancel your previous host until DNS propagation is complete.
  • **Use temporary URLs:**If provided, use Eco Web Hosting’s preview/temporary URL to check site content before DNS switches.

When to Contact Support

If more than 48 hours have passed and you’re still experiencing issues, please:

  • Double-check your DNS records in cPanel or your domain registrar.
  • Open a support ticket with details:
    • Your domain name
    • What changes you made and when
    • Any error messages or screenshots

Summary Checklist

  • [x] DNS changes made in cPanel or registrar
  • [x] Waited up to 48 hours for propagation
  • [x] Cleared device and browser caches
  • [x] Checked with online DNS tools
  • [ ] Contacted support if still unresolved

**Need further help?**Browse our Knowledge Base or open a ticket for personalised assistance.

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