Easy Steps to Clear DNS Cache on Windows, Chrome, Firefox and Safari

Windows users will need to open Command Prompt from the Start menu. To clear DNS cache, issue the following command once you are inside the prompt. It works by translating domain names you enter in your browser’s search box with the IP address to allow your browser to reach the webserver and retrieve its contents.

Another way DNS resolution works is from IP to domain. For this, your browser/OS will send name resolution queries to DNS servers as per your system’s/browser’s/ISP’s configuration. There are many places that you can choose which DNS resolvers or name servers to use. One may be more important than the other. Your VPN service could override the DNS server set up by your ISP.

Because DNS queries can take some time to process, your browser and operating system may store DNS query results in cache. Although this cache can improve response time, you might need to clear it as it could become obsolete. Old caches can also pose privacy and security concerns, as they may be used to track user activity. Clearing browser cache might not remove DNS cache from all locations. Knowing the exact process will help.

This article will cover simple steps you can take to clear your DNS cache and other browsers.

Windows

Windows users will need to open Command Prompt from the Start menu. To clear DNS cache, issue the following command once you are inside the prompt:

C:\>ipconfig /flushdns

You will get an output showing Successfully flushed DNS Resolver Cache.

C:>ipconfig/flushdns Windows IP Configuration Successfully flushed DNS Resolver Cache C:\>

This command is compatible with Windows XP 7, 8, 10, and 10. It’s very easy to use.

Chrome

As mentioned, DNS cache is not just cached by Windows operating systems. The browser you are using could also be cache DNS records. You can clear this cache.

For Chrome, open a new tab and enter chrome://net-internals/#dns in the address bar and press Enter.

This page should be yours:

To clear your browser’s DNS cache, click on Clear host cae button. This simple action will flush Chrome’s DNS cache without any prompts or confirmation messages.

Firefox

You can clear the DNS cache in Firefox by restarting your browser. The cache is not stored on the hard disk. There is an easier way to clear the DNS cache in your browser’s memory.

To do this, open a new tab on Firefox and type this address in the address bar. Then press enter: about:networking#dns

This page will display details about DNS cache and offer a button Clear DNS Cached. Click on the button to clear your browser’s DNS cache.

Safari

Safari offers a hidden option that allows you to clear caches including DNS from the menu bar. First, enable Develop menu.

You can do this by opening Preferences and going to Safari.
Next, click on the Advanced Tab and then check Show Developer menu in menu bar.
You should now see a new option, Create in Safari’s menu bar.
To clear your browser’s cache including DNS caches, choose Empty Cookies from the menu.

For best results, restart your browser after clearing your cache.

Summary

These steps will allow you to clear DNS caches from your system. This is a simple process that can be done quickly by anyone. This may increase the privacy security of users and their browsing history, particularly in public infrastructure.

This can also be useful for troubleshooting connectivity issues and DNS resolution problems, especially for those using VPNs that may have caches that are outdated or no longer relevant.