Google does not have a direct, public-facing tool like whatsmydns.net that is specifically designed for checking a domain’s global nameserver propagation. whatsmydns.net and similar services are unique because they query DNS servers from multiple locations around the world and display the results on a map, giving you a visual overview of propagation.
However, Google does provide a powerful command-line tool that can be used to perform DNS lookups, and it’s an excellent way to check the DNS records for your domain. It’s called Google Admin Toolbox’s Dig (DNS lookup).
Google’s Dig Tool
The dig tool is an online version of the Unix/Linux command-line utility. It’s used by network administrators and developers to diagnose DNS problems. While it doesn’t give you the visual map like whatsmydns.net, it provides a highly accurate and detailed report of your domain’s DNS records.
How to use it:
- Go to Google Admin Toolbox: Dig.
- In the “Domain Name” field, enter your domain:
searchng.ng. - In the “Record Type” dropdown menu, select NS (for Nameserver).
- Click “Lookup”.
The tool will return the authoritative nameservers for your domain. If your changes have fully propagated, the results should show ns1.mysecurecloudhost.com and ns2.mysecurecloudhost.com.
Why whatsmydns.net is still the best for your purpose:
- Global View: Its biggest advantage is showing you which nameservers are being seen from different countries. This is crucial for diagnosing a DNS propagation issue like yours, where some locations are updated and others are not.
- Ease of Use: It’s designed for a quick, visual check without the technical details of a
digreport.
In short, while Google offers a professional-grade tool for DNS lookups, services like whatsmydns.net are still the best for getting a quick, visual check of your domain’s propagation status across the globe.
whatsmydns is showing only 1 country have updated for dotifi.com.ng while google dig is showing old nameservers https://www.whatsmydns.net/#NS/dotifi.com.ng
The difference in what the two tools are showing is a classic example of DNS propagation. This is a normal part of the process when you change nameservers for a domain.
Here is a simple breakdown of what’s happening:
- DNS Caching: Internet Service Providers (ISPs) and DNS resolvers (like Google Public DNS) around the world store, or “cache,” a copy of your domain’s nameservers to speed up requests. When a user tries to visit your site, the DNS resolver checks its cache first to get the information quickly.
- Time to Live (TTL): This cache is not permanent. It lasts for a set period called the “Time to Live” or TTL. The TTL for nameserver records is often 24 to 48 hours. When this time expires, the DNS resolver must query the authoritative nameservers for a new record.
Why the tools show different results:
whatsmydns.net: This service is specifically designed to show you DNS propagation by querying from servers in many different locations. When a country shows as “updated,” it means a DNS server in that region has cleared its old cache and successfully picked up your new nameserver records.- Google Admin Toolbox Dig: This tool queries from Google’s own DNS servers. The fact that it’s still showing the old nameservers means that Google’s specific server cluster that is handling the query for you has not yet updated its cache. It is still within the TTL period for the old records.
What you should do:
What you are seeing is exactly what should be expected during a nameserver change. The fact that some locations are already updated on whatsmydns.net means the new records are propagating correctly. You simply need to wait for the change to be reflected across the global network of DNS servers.
This process can take anywhere from a few hours to up to 72 hours, though it’s typically much faster. Continue to monitor your domain on whatsmydns.net, and you will see more and more green checkmarks as the new nameservers are picked up worldwide.