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

DNS

DNS, or Domain Name Service, is the foundation of the Web’s contemporary Internet architecture. Simply put, it works by converting domain names entered in the browser’s search box into their IP address, allowing the browser to connect to the webserver and retrieve its contents.

DNS resolution can also operate in the opposite direction, from IP to domain name. As configured by your system/browser/ISP, your browser/OS will send name resolution queries to DNS servers for this purpose. There are numerous locations where we can specify which name servers or DNS resolvers to employ, and one may have precedence over the others. Your VPN service may override the DNS server that your ISP has established on your network.

As there is some latency associated with requesting DNS servers, your operating system and browser may cache DNS query results for faster response times. This cache is good for enhancing response time, but you may need to clear it as it may become obsolete. Due to privacy and security concerns, an outdated cache may also be problematic, as it may be used to track user activities. Clearing the browser cache may not always delete the DNS cache, therefore knowing the specific technique will be beneficial.

In this article, we will discuss the easy procedures required to clear the DNS cache on your system and browsers.

1. Clear DNS in Windows

On Windows, you must start Command Prompt by searching for it in the Start menu or by pressing Ctrl + r, type cmd, then clicking OK. Once at the prompt, use the following command to delete the DNS cache:

C:\>ipconfig /flushdns

Output will indicate Successfully flushed the DNS Resolver Cache.

C:\>ipconfig /flushdns

Windows IP Configuration

Successfully flushed the DNS Resolver Cache.

C:\>

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

2. Clear DNS in Chrome

As previously stated, Domain name service cache is not just stored by an operating system like Windows; your browser may also cache DNS entries. The option to clear the same is available.

Open a new tab in Chrome and enter  chrome://net-internals/#dns in the address bar, followed by the Enter key.

You should receive a page like this:

Click the clear host cache button to clear the cache of the browser. This easy procedure should clear Chrome’s Domain name service cache without displaying any questions or confirmation messages.

3. Firefox

As the cache is not maintained on disk, Firefox’s DNS cache can be cleared by simply restarting the browser. There is, however, a way to delete only the Domain name service cache from memory without having to restart your browser.

Open a new tab in Firefox, type the following into the address box, and hit enter:  about:networking#dns

This page should provide Domain name service cache information and provide a button. Click Clear DNS Cache to clear the browser’s Domain name service cache.

4. Safari

In Safari’s menu bar, there is a secret option to delete various caches, including DNS. However, you must first enable the Develop menu.

After clearing the cache, you should restart the browser for optimal results.

Summary

We’ve discussed some straightforward techniques that allow you to clear Domain name service caches on your system, including the operating system and various web browsers. The procedure is often simple and can be completed quickly by anyone. This may boost users’ privacy, security, and browsing history in certain instances, particularly on public infrastructure.

On the other hand, this can be useful for resolving connectivity and Domain name service resolution issues, particularly for VPN users whose caches may become obsolete.

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