How to clear DNS cache in different browsers?

When you visit a website, your browser saves some data to load the page faster next time. One of these saved pieces of information is the DNS cache, which helps your computer find websites quickly. However, if a website has moved or changed, the old DNS data can cause problems like loading errors or showing outdated content.

Clearing the DNS cache can fix these issues. In this article, I’ll show you how to do it in different browsers.

What is DNS Cache?

DNS (Domain Name System) cache is a temporary record stored by your browser or computer. It helps speed up website access by remembering website addresses. But sometimes, old or incorrect data can cause problems, such as:

• Websites not loading properly
• Wrong versions of websites appearing
• Error messages like “Site can’t be reached”

Clearing the DNS cache can solve these issues and ensure you’re seeing the latest version of a website.

How to Clear DNS Cache in Google Chrome

1. Open Google Chrome.
2. In the address bar, type:

   chrome://net-internals/#dns

3. Press Enter.
4. Click the “Clear host cache” button.

Your DNS cache is now cleared, and you can try reloading the website.

How to Clear DNS Cache in Mozilla Firefox

Firefox does not store DNS cache in the same way as Chrome, but you can still clear it:

1. Open Mozilla Firefox.
2. In the address bar, type:

   about:networking#dns

3. Press Enter.
4. Click the “Clear DNS Cache” button.

This will remove any saved DNS information.

How to Clear DNS Cache in Microsoft Edge

Since Edge is based on Chrome, the steps are similar:

1. Open Microsoft Edge.
2. Type in the address bar:

   edge://net-internals/#dns

3. Press Enter.
4. Click “Clear host cache”.

Edge will now remove any old DNS data.

How to Clear DNS Cache in Safari

Safari does not provide a direct way to clear DNS cache inside the browser. However, you can do it using a simple shortcut:

1. Close Safari.
2. Open Terminal (Press Command + Space, type Terminal, and hit Enter).
3. Type the following command:

   sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder

4. Press Enter and enter your Mac password if asked.

Now your DNS cache is cleared, and you can reopen Safari.

How to Clear DNS Cache from Your Computer

If clearing the browser DNS cache doesn’t work, you can clear the DNS cache from your computer.

On Windows

1. Open Command Prompt (Press Windows + R, type cmd, and press Enter).
2. Type the following command:

   ipconfig /flushdns

3. Press Enter.

You will see a message confirming that the DNS cache has been cleared.

On Mac

1. Open Terminal (Press Command + Space, type Terminal, and press Enter).
2. Type the following command:

   sudo dscacheutil -flushcache; sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder

3. Press Enter and enter your Mac password if asked.

Your Mac’s DNS cache will now be cleared.

Final Thoughts

If a website isn’t loading properly, clearing the DNS cache can often fix the issue. Each browser has a different method, but the process is usually quick and easy. If clearing the browser’s DNS cache doesn’t work, try clearing it from your computer.