How To Clear DNS Cache? [Detailed Guide]

If you’re facing network connectivity issues, you need to try clearing the DNS cache. This can fix most of the network problems, and it is recommended that you do it at least once a month. The process is pretty simple and won’t take you long. 

Key Takeaways

• A DNS cache stores the results of the DNS searches related to websites and servers that you search for.
• Clearing the DNS cache is effective in fixing network connectivity errors and slow loading times on your computer or mobile phone.
• The method of clearing the DNS cache is different for each platform, but you can do it using the Command Prompt on Windows. 

What Is DNS Cache?

Domain Name System (DNS) translates the domain names into IP addresses a machine can understand. It is an important part of the internet network that lets you visit websites and servers with easy domain names.

Meanwhile, a DNS cache is a temporary storage area that stores information related to recent DNS searches. So, the next time you search for the same website, your computer will look for the information within the DNS cache rather than making a new request to the DNS Server. Consequently, the time it takes for the website to load is reduced.

Why Should You Clear DNS Cache?

Sometimes, the data stored in the DNS cache can become corrupt or outdated, leading to problems when accessing a website. It can also cause errors on your computer or increase the loading time. Thus, it becomes necessary to clear the DNS cache to resume the proper operation of your device.

How To Clear DNS Cache?

The method for flushing the DNS cache varies with each operating system, like Windows, macOS, and Linux. Also, read our guide on how to power cycle your internet router, as that can help fix connectivity issues as well.

Windows 

1. Type cmd in the Search Bar and launch the Command Prompt.
   

   

2. Write and Execute the command ipconfig/flushdns.

   

3. Wait until the message, Successfully Flushed The DNS Resolver Cache, appears in the window.

MacOS

1. Click on the Spotlight icon on the top bar.

   

2. Search for Terminal and Open it.

   

3. The command to clear the DNS cache in macOS varies with the version. Type the right command based on your macOS.
   

   OS Version	DNS Flush Command Code
   Tiger	lookupd – flushcache
   Ventura/Monterey/Catalina/Big Sur	sudo dscacheutil – flushcache; sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder
   Yosemite	sudo discoveryutil mdnsflushcache
   Lion/Mojave/Mountain Lion/Mavericks/Sierra/El Capitan	sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder

4. Hit the Enter key to launch the command.
5. Type your Password and press Enter.
   

   

Linux

1. Click on the Menu symbol on the left sidebar.
   

   

2. Press Terminal.
   

   

3. First, type and enter resolvectl statistics. It will calculate the size of the DNS cache.
4. Next, execute the command resolvectl flush-caches to clear the DNS cache.
5. Ensure the process was successful by checking the size of the cache using the same code in Step 3.
   

   

Also Read: How To Add More USB Ports To A PC?

Android

1. Tap the Settings icon on the Main Screen.
   

   

2. Move to Apps.
   

   

3. Find Chrome or any other web browser you use on your phone.

   

4. Go to Storage.
   

   

5. Press the Clear Cache button on the bottom panel.

   

6. Next, tap Manage Storage.
   

   

7. Hit the button, Clear All Data.
   

   

Also Read: Windows Could Not Prepare Computer To Boot Installation Error

iOS

1. Head to the Settings.
   

   

2. Select General.
   

   

3. Under General Settings, go to iPhone Storage.

   

4. Tap on Safari or any other browser.

   

5. Click on Website Data.
   

   

6. Hit Remove All Website Data.
   

   

When Should You Clear DNS Cache?

Erasing the DNS cache periodically, like once a month, keeps errors and connectivity issues away from your computer and mobile phone. However, it becomes crucial to clear the cache in certain situations, for example, when;

• You cannot access or load certain websites on your device.
• It takes too long for the website to load properly.
• You face network connectivity errors on your device.
• You have updated the DNS settings or the Domain Name for your network.

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What Are The Benefits Of Clearing DNS Cache?

The simple process of cleaning the DNS cache comes with a list of benefits for your device. For instance, it solves issues related to accessing websites on your computer/phone by making a new request to the DNS Server. Hence, you can easily launch websites.

In addition, it accelerates browsing speed by cleaning the buildup of unnecessary cache data in the DNS. Therefore, it only leaves the latest information so the device can quickly access it.

Furthermore, it comes in handy when you have recently changed the Domain Name or DNS Configurations on your computer. Flushing the DNS cache ensures the new settings are smoothly applied by removing old data so that your computer uses the most up-to-date information.

Importantly, refreshing the DNS cache is a widely-used troubleshooting step in resolving network connectivity or browsing errors. It makes sure there are no faults within the DNS data, which could be tempering with the network connectivity or smooth browsing on your device. 

Final Words

In conclusion, follow the steps mentioned in this guide on how to clear DNS cache on different Operating Systems so you can get back to hassle-free browsing. 

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