How to Clear DNS Cache (Windows & Mac – Easy 2025 Guide)
Clear DNS cache to fix websites loading with outdated IPs, slow responses, or redirect problems. When you flush DNS, your device removes old records and requests fresh data from DNS servers. As a result, most browsing issues disappear instantly and your connection becomes more accurate.
What Is DNS Cache and Why Clear It?
The DNS cache is a small local database that stores recent website lookups. Although it speeds up browsing, it can also cause wrong website results when outdated. Therefore, clearing DNS forces the system to refresh the IP information and resolve domains correctly.
- Websites loading old content
- Domains that moved to new servers but still show old data
- DNS settings changed but the system keeps outdated entries
- Unexpected redirects after malware cleanup
How to Clear DNS Cache in Windows
These steps work on both Windows 10 and Windows 11. Additionally, if you are on a company-managed PC, run Command Prompt as Administrator for best results.
- Press Windows + R, type
cmd, and hit Enter. - Then enter the following command to clear DNS cache:
ipconfig /flushdnsAfter a second, you should see: “Successfully flushed the DNS Resolver Cache.” Consequently, Windows will start using fresh DNS information.
Optional Windows Tips
- View DNS entries:
ipconfig /displaydns - Renew IP:
ipconfig /releasethenipconfig /renew - Reset network stack:
netsh winsock reset→ reboot
How to Clear DNS Cache on macOS
macOS Terminal showing the DNS flush command.
Similarly, you can clear DNS cache on macOS Ventura, Monterey, and Sonoma using Terminal:
sudo dscacheutil -flushcache; sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponderAfter running this command, turn Wi-Fi off and on again. In addition, Apple documents this process in its official guide: Apple – Clear DNS cache on macOS.
Older macOS Versions
- Sierra → Big Sur:
sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder
When Should You Clear DNS Cache?
Generally, you do not need to clear DNS cache every day. However, in the following situations it can solve issues much faster than a full reboot:
- After switching DNS providers (Google DNS or Cloudflare)
- After migrating hosting or updating DNS records
- When websites resolve slowly or incorrectly
- Following malware cleanup
Troubleshooting After Flushing DNS
If problems continue after you clear DNS cache, try these extra checks. In many cases they reveal whether the issue is local or on the server side.
- Check DNS resolution: Windows →
nslookup example.com; Mac →dig example.com - Restart browser: Each browser keeps its own cache, so closing all windows completely often helps.
- VPN or DHCP issues: Reconnect the VPN or renew your IP lease from the router.
- Hosts file overrides: Remove outdated manual entries from your hosts file.
Improve Performance After Clearing DNS Cache
Clearing DNS cache is a quick win. Nevertheless, you can improve performance even more by using faster DNS providers and by reducing extra latency.
- Use Google DNS (8.8.8.8 / 8.8.4.4) – see Google Public DNS documentation.
- Or Cloudflare DNS (1.1.1.1 / 1.0.0.1) – see Cloudflare 1.1.1.1 guide.
- Clear your browser cache periodically.
- Avoid multiple VPN layers that slow DNS queries.
FAQ: Clear DNS Cache
Q: What does clearing DNS cache do?
A: It deletes stored DNS records and forces fresh lookups from DNS servers.
Q: Will this delete browsing history?
A: No, it only affects DNS cache, not history or cookies.
Q: How often should I clear DNS cache?
A: Every few weeks or whenever websites load incorrectly or show old data.
Q: Does this improve internet speed?
A: It can reduce latency caused by outdated records and slightly improve response time.
Q: Is clearing DNS safe?
A: Yes, it does not affect personal files or installed programs.
Final Thoughts
Knowing how to clear DNS cache on Windows and Mac solves many connection and loading problems in under a minute. Finally, if issues continue after flushing DNS, check the domain’s DNS records at your provider or test from another network. For more maintenance tips, visit our Windows maintenance guides.
