How do I clear my DNS cache?

Computers and web browsers uses a build-in cache for DNS requests, making access to domains quicker than if they were to be looked up via public servers on the Internet upon each request. However, problems may arise due to this cache, for example if a domain has been edited to point at another hosting provider’s servers recently. This guide will describe how you clear this cache in Windows 10, macOS and for the web browser Google Chrome.

Please note that it may take up to 48 hours for edits to propagate over the Internet if a domain’s DNS servers has been changed.

Keep in mind that the local DNS cache of the computer or browser only is one part of a chain. There can exist DNS cache in local network equipment (such as a router – which often can be cleared via a reboot), with the Internet service provider, or the Internet service provider’s provider.

Windows 10

To clear the DNS cache in Windows, you need to open the program Command Prompt. You can find it via the Start menu, where you search for Command Prompt, or by holding down the Windows key and then R. Enter cmd in the box that appears and press Enter.

Once the Command Prompts is open, enter the following command and press Enter:

ipconfig /flushdns

You will now see a notice that the DNS cache is cleared, and access to the website/domain should work better.

Google Chrome

If you use the web browser Google Chrome, it has its own DNS cache, separate from that of the operating system. To clear the DNS cache of Chrome, enter chrome://net-internals/#dns in the address bar. This will work on Windows, macOS, or mobile phones running Android.

You will now reach a page where you’ll see a button labelled Clear host cache. Press it to clear the DNS cache of Chrome.

The internal DNS cache of Chrome should now be cleared, and access to the website/domain should work better.

In addition to clearing Chrome’s DNS cache, you may have to clear the DNS cache of the operating system (please refer to the instructions above for Windows 10 and macOS, respectively.

MacOS

To clear the DNS cache in macOS, you need to open the program Terminal. You can find it via Finder -> Applications -> Utilities -> Terminal. You may also hold down the Command key and press Space. In the box that appears, enter terminal and press Enter.

Once the terminakl is opened, enter the following command and press Enter.

sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder

You will now have to enter your Mac’s password and press Enter to continue.

The DNS cache will now be cleared, and access to the website/domain should work better.

iOS

To clear the DNS cache on iOS you have two different solutions:

• Start the Settings app and activate Airplane mode, and then deactivate it again, or;
• Reboot your iPhone.

Regardless of the chosen solution from the two listed above, the DNS cache should now be cleared, and access to the website/domain should work better.