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DNS Propagation Checker

Monitor DNS changes across global nameservers over time

What is DNS Propagation?

When you make changes to DNS records, those changes don't happen instantly everywhere. DNS propagation is the time it takes for DNS changes to spread across all nameservers worldwide. This can take anywhere from minutes to 72 hours depending on TTL values and caching.

DNS Science's Propagation Checker creates a baseline of NS records from multiple global locations and monitors them over configurable time periods to show you exactly when and where your changes have propagated.

How It Works
  1. Create Baseline - Query NS records from multiple global locations
  2. Set Monitoring Schedule - Choose your time intervals
  3. Track Changes - Monitor propagation progress
  4. Get Alerts - Receive notifications when complete

Global DNS Server Network

US East US West EU Asia Oceania
Monitoring Time Intervals

Choose from multiple monitoring intervals to track propagation progress:

Quick Checks
  • 5 minutes
  • 15 minutes
  • 30 minutes
Standard Monitoring
  • 1 hour
  • 3 hours
  • 6 hours
Extended Tracking
  • 12 hours
  • 18 hours
  • 24 hours
Long-term Monitoring
48 hours 72 hours 144 hours (6 days)
Quick Start
Create a Propagation Check
curl -X POST https://api.dnsscience.io/v1/propagation/check \
  -H "Authorization: Bearer YOUR_API_KEY" \
  -H "Content-Type: application/json" \
  -d '{
    "domain": "example.com",
    "record_type": "A",
    "intervals": ["5m", "15m", "30m", "1h", "3h"],
    "notify_email": "admin@example.com"
  }'
Check Status
curl https://api.dnsscience.io/v1/propagation/status/CHECK_ID \
  -H "Authorization: Bearer YOUR_API_KEY"
API Endpoints
Endpoint Method Description
/v1/propagation/check POST Create new propagation check
/v1/propagation/status/{id} GET Get check status and results
/v1/propagation/list GET List all active checks
/v1/propagation/cancel/{id} DELETE Cancel a propagation check
/v1/propagation/locations GET List available check locations
Example Response
{
  "check_id": "prop_abc123",
  "domain": "example.com",
  "record_type": "A",
  "status": "in_progress",
  "created_at": "2025-01-15T10:00:00Z",
  "baseline": {
    "expected_value": "93.184.216.34",
    "captured_at": "2025-01-15T10:00:00Z"
  },
  "progress": {
    "total_locations": 25,
    "propagated": 18,
    "pending": 7,
    "percentage": 72
  },
  "results": [
    {
      "location": "US-East (Virginia)",
      "server": "8.8.8.8",
      "status": "propagated",
      "value": "93.184.216.34",
      "checked_at": "2025-01-15T10:05:00Z",
      "propagation_time": "5m"
    },
    {
      "location": "EU-West (Frankfurt)",
      "server": "1.1.1.1",
      "status": "propagated",
      "value": "93.184.216.34",
      "checked_at": "2025-01-15T10:15:00Z",
      "propagation_time": "15m"
    },
    {
      "location": "Asia-Pacific (Singapore)",
      "server": "9.9.9.9",
      "status": "pending",
      "value": "93.184.216.33",
      "checked_at": "2025-01-15T10:15:00Z"
    }
  ],
  "next_check": "2025-01-15T10:30:00Z"
}
Supported Record Types
  • A - IPv4 Address
  • AAAA - IPv6 Address
  • CNAME - Canonical Name
  • MX - Mail Exchange
  • NS - Nameserver
  • TXT - Text Record
  • SOA - Start of Authority
  • SRV - Service
  • CAA - CA Authorization
Use Cases
DNS Migrations

Monitor nameserver changes when migrating to a new DNS provider. Track when all global resolvers have updated to the new NS records.

SSL/TLS Provisioning

Ensure DNS validation records have propagated before requesting certificates from Let's Encrypt or other CAs.

Email Configuration

Verify MX, SPF, DKIM, and DMARC records are visible globally before switching email providers.

Website Launches

Track A/AAAA record propagation when launching a new website or changing hosting providers.

CLI Usage
# Install the DNS Science CLI
pip install dnsscience-cli

# Create a propagation check
dnsscience propagation check example.com --type A --intervals 5m,15m,30m,1h

# Check status
dnsscience propagation status prop_abc123

# List active checks
dnsscience propagation list

# Watch propagation in real-time
dnsscience propagation watch prop_abc123
Pricing
Tier Checks/Month Max Duration Locations
Free 5 1 hour 5
Essentials 50 24 hours 15
Professional 500 72 hours 25
Enterprise Unlimited 144 hours 50+
View Full Pricing
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