Sometimes your device stores outdated DNS information, which can cause website loading issues, incorrect IP resolution, SSL errors, or problems after DNS changes. Clearing the DNS cache forces your system to retrieve fresh DNS records.

Clear DNS Cache on Windows

1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
2. Run the following command:

ipconfig /flushdns

Switch: /flushdns clears the local DNS resolver cache.

Expected result:

Successfully flushed the DNS Resolver Cache.

Optional Windows Commands

ipconfig /displaydns

Switch: /displaydns shows cached DNS records.

ipconfig /renew

Switch: /renew requests a new IP address from DHCP.

Clear DNS Cache on macOS

Open Terminal and run:

sudo dscacheutil -flushcache; sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder

Switches:

• -flushcache clears the local DNS cache.
• -HUP sends a reload signal to mDNSResponder.

You may be asked to enter your administrator password.

Verify DNS Resolution on macOS

dig yourdomain.com

Command: dig performs a DNS lookup query.

Clear DNS Cache on Linux

Linux distributions may use different DNS caching services. Use the method that matches your system.

Systemd-Resolved

sudo resolvectl flush-caches

Command: flush-caches clears cached DNS entries.

Alternative command on some systems:

sudo systemd-resolve --flush-caches

Switch: --flush-caches clears cached DNS entries.

Check DNS cache statistics:

sudo resolvectl statistics

Command: statistics displays DNS cache information.

DNSMasq

sudo systemctl restart dnsmasq

Command: restart restarts the DNSMasq service and clears its cache.

nscd

sudo systemctl restart nscd

Command: restart restarts the Name Service Cache Daemon.

BIND / named

sudo rndc flush

Command: flush clears the BIND DNS cache.

Clear Browser DNS Cache

Google Chrome

chrome://net-internals/#dns

Open the address above in Chrome and click Clear host cache.

Microsoft Edge

edge://net-internals/#dns

Open the address above in Edge and click Clear host cache.

Restart Router DNS Cache

Some routers may also cache DNS records. Restarting the router can help clear cached DNS information.

1. Restart the router.
2. Wait 1–2 minutes.
3. Reconnect to the network.

Test DNS Changes

Windows

nslookup yourdomain.com

Command: nslookup queries DNS records for a domain.

macOS / Linux

dig yourdomain.com

Command: dig performs a DNS lookup query.

host yourdomain.com

Command: host performs a simple DNS lookup.