Your computer uses a DNS cache to store information about websites you've visited. Think of it as a “memory” that helps your device quickly connect to websites. Over time, this cache might cause problems if it contains outdated information, which can make it look like a website isn’t working properly. Clearing the DNS cache can refresh this memory and often resolve such issues.
Important Note: Sometimes, your internet service provider (ISP) also has its own DNS cache. If the problem persists, you might need to wait 24–48 hours for your ISP’s cache to refresh, which is out of your control.
Steps to Clear DNS Cache by Operating System
On Windows:
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Open the Start Menu and search for "Command Prompt" (or type cmd in the search box).
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Click on the Command Prompt program to open it.
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Type this command:
ipconfig /flushdns -
Press the Enter key.
You’ll see a message confirming the DNS cache has been successfully flushed.
On macOS:
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Open the Terminal application (you can find it in your Applications folder under Utilities).
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Type this command:
dscacheutil -flushcache -
Press the Enter key.
Note: You won’t see a confirmation message, but the cache will still be cleared.
On Linux:
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Open the Terminal application.
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Type this command:
/etc/init.d/nscd restart -
Press the Enter key.
Make sure your system has the nscd service installed; otherwise, you might need different commands based on your Linux distribution.
What to Do If the Issue Persists
If clearing your DNS cache doesn’t resolve the issue, it could be due to outdated information stored by your ISP or other network-related factors. You may need to wait up to 24–48 hours for this larger network cache to refresh. If you’re still experiencing issues, feel free to reach out to our tech support team for assistance.