This guide will show you how to clear your local DNS cache (“flush” it) for several operating systems.
This is particularly helpful if you’ve recently changed web hosts or DNS providers, or if you’re having trouble connecting to a website because of a network issue.
Android
Here is how to clear the DNS cache on Android:
Go to Settings -> Apps -> All.
Scroll down and tap on Browser or Chrome.
Tap on Storage -> Clear Cache.
If you do not use Chrome, then go back and tap on Internet -> Clear Data and Clear Cache.
You can also use a third-party app like CCleaner to clear the DNS cache on Android.
iOS
It’s impossible to clear the DNS cache on iOS.
If you are using a device like an iPhone, iPad or iPod touch, it’s not possible to clear the DNS cache. That’s because the operating system doesn’t store one.
Apple products like the iPhone, iPad and iPod touch are set up differently than traditional desktop and laptop computers. When you visit a website on your computer, it stores the DNS information in memory so that it can be accessed quickly when you return to that site later. However, this is not how Apple products work.
How iOS Deals with DNS Cache
When you visit a website on an iOS device, it always checks with a DNS server to get the most recent version of the site you are visiting. It doesn’t store any data locally, so there is nothing to clear out when you have problems with your internet connection or loading web pages.
If you have issues with websites loading properly or repeatedly getting errors when trying to access websites on your iOS device, try updating your app, clear the cache by going to Settings -> Safari -> Clear History and Website Data or reset your network by going to Settings -> General -> Reset -> Reset Network Settings.
Windows 10 and 11
For Windows users, review this guide on flushing the DNS resolver cache.
Step 1: Open the Command Prompt
Open the command prompt by pushing the Windows key + R and typing cmd into the Run window. Press Enter or click OK.
Step 2: Type ipconfig /flushdns into the Command Prompt
The flushdns command serves to clear, or flush, the DNS cache on your computer.
Step 3: Press Enter
The command prompt will not display any confirmation, but you can type ipconfig /displaydns in order to see that there are no longer any cached DNS entries listed.
Mac OS
Launch the Mac Terminal application. It is located in the Utilities folder under the Applications folder on a Mac
Type the following command and press Enter:
dscacheutil -flushcache
sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder
Clearing your DNS cache can help resolve DNS-related issues by “flushing” out any invalid entries and forcing your computer to query nameservers for the new DNS information.