How to Flush DNS Cache on Any Device | IPZW
How to Flush DNS Cache on Windows, Mac, Android and iPhone
Have you ever tried opening a website only to find that it won't load, even though your internet connection is working?
The problem could be your DNS cache.
Your device may still be using outdated DNS information, especially after a website changes hosting providers or updates its DNS records.
Fortunately, clearing your DNS cache is usually simple.
In this guide, you'll learn how to flush DNS cache on Windows, Mac, Android and iPhone.
What Is DNS Cache?
DNS stands for Domain Name System. It helps devices find websites by translating domain names into IP addresses.
For example, when you enter a website address, your device uses DNS information to find the server hosting that website.
A DNS cache temporarily stores previously retrieved DNS information so your device can access websites more efficiently.
However, cached information can become outdated after DNS changes.
This may cause websites to load incorrectly or continue pointing to an old server.
## How to Flush DNS Cache on Windows 10 and 11
Windows provides a simple command for clearing the operating system's DNS resolver cache.
Step 1: Press the Windows key and search for Command Prompt.
Step 2: Open Command Prompt. If access is denied when running the command, try opening it as administrator.
Step 3: Enter the following command:
`ipconfig /flushdns`
Step 4: Press Enter.
Windows should display a message confirming that the DNS Resolver Cache was successfully flushed.
You can now try opening the website again.
This command clears the Windows DNS resolver cache but does not clear cached records held by your internet provider.
How to Flush DNS Cache on Mac
On many modern versions of macOS, you can clear the DNS cache using Terminal.
Step 1: Open Terminal from Applications → Utilities.
Step 2: Enter the following command:
`sudo dscacheutil -flushcache; sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder`
Step 3: Press Enter.
Step 4: Enter your Mac password if prompted.
Step 5: Try accessing the website again.
The command may not display a success message. DNS cache commands can differ between macOS versions, so check the instructions for your installed version if it does not work.
How to Clear DNS Cache on Android
Android devices generally do not have a universal DNS-flushing command available through their normal settings.
However, you can try refreshing your connection.
Step 1: Turn on Airplane Mode.
Step 2: Wait a few seconds.
Step 3: Turn Airplane Mode off.
Step 4: Reconnect to Wi-Fi or mobile data.
Step 5: Try opening the website again.
If the problem continues, restart your phone.
You can also try another browser or connection.
These steps may refresh some network state, but they do not guarantee that every DNS cache has been cleared.
How to Refresh DNS on iPhone
iPhones do not offer a dedicated DNS cache flush button in normal settings.
You can try the following:
Step 1: Open Settings.
Step 2: Enable Airplane Mode.
Step 3: Wait a few seconds.
Step 4: Disable Airplane Mode.
Step 5: Reconnect to the internet.
Step 6: Try opening the affected website.
If the problem persists, restart your iPhone.
Remember that these actions are troubleshooting steps, not guaranteed methods for clearing every cached DNS record.
How to Clear DNS Cache in Your Browser
Some browsers maintain their own DNS-related caches or network connection information.
This means clearing your operating system's DNS cache may not resolve every browser-specific problem.
If a website still fails to load, try:
- Closing and reopening your browser.
- Testing the website in another browser.
- Restarting your device.
- Checking whether the problem affects other websites.
Browser-specific DNS cache controls vary by browser and version.
When Should You Flush DNS Cache?
Clearing your DNS cache can be useful when:
- A website recently changed hosting providers.
- DNS records have been updated.
- Your computer continues connecting to an old server.
- A website loads on another device but not yours.
- You are troubleshooting a DNS-related connection error.
However, clearing DNS cache will not fix incorrect DNS records on the domain's authoritative nameservers.
What If Flushing DNS Doesn't Fix the Problem?
If the website still doesn't work, the issue may be outside your device.
For example, the domain may have incorrect DNS records, its nameservers may be misconfigured, or its hosting server may be unavailable.
You can investigate the domain using IPZW's DNS Lookup tool.
Step 1: Visit https://whatismyipaddress.co.zw/dns-lookup
Step 2: Enter your domain name.
Step 3: Select the DNS record type you want to check.
Step 4: Run the lookup.
Step 5: Compare the returned records with the information supplied by your hosting provider.
If you recently changed your domain's DNS configuration, read our guide on DNS propagation to understand why some resolvers may still return older information.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to flush DNS cache?
Yes. Clearing the operating system's DNS resolver cache is generally safe. Your device will request DNS information again when needed.
Does flushing DNS cache speed up the internet?
Not necessarily. It may resolve problems caused by outdated cached DNS information, but it does not increase your internet connection's bandwidth.
Does flushing DNS cache delete passwords?
No. The Windows DNS flush command does not delete saved passwords or personal files.
How often should I clear DNS cache?
There is generally no need to clear it regularly. DNS caches normally update as their stored records expire.
Why does a website work on my phone but not my computer?
The devices may use different DNS caches, resolvers, network settings or connections.
## Final Thoughts
DNS caching helps websites load efficiently, but outdated information can occasionally cause connection problems.
On Windows, the command `ipconfig /flushdns` provides a straightforward way to clear the system DNS resolver cache.
On Mac, Terminal commands can perform a similar task, while mobile devices may require connection refreshes or restarts.
If the issue continues, investigate the domain's DNS configuration rather than repeatedly clearing your cache.
Check your domain's DNS records using IPZW Network Tools:
https://whatismyipaddress.co.zw/dns-lookup
Explore more networking tutorials:
https://whatismyipaddress.co.zw/learn
IPZW Network Tools — Built for Zimbabwe. Useful everywhere.
Have you ever tried opening a website only to find that it won't load, even though your internet connection is working?
The problem could be your DNS cache.
Your device may still be using outdated DNS information, especially after a website changes hosting providers or updates its DNS records.
Fortunately, clearing your DNS cache is usually simple.
In this guide, you'll learn how to flush DNS cache on Windows, Mac, Android and iPhone.
What Is DNS Cache?
DNS stands for Domain Name System. It helps devices find websites by translating domain names into IP addresses.
For example, when you enter a website address, your device uses DNS information to find the server hosting that website.
A DNS cache temporarily stores previously retrieved DNS information so your device can access websites more efficiently.
However, cached information can become outdated after DNS changes.
This may cause websites to load incorrectly or continue pointing to an old server.
## How to Flush DNS Cache on Windows 10 and 11
Windows provides a simple command for clearing the operating system's DNS resolver cache.
Step 1: Press the Windows key and search for Command Prompt.
Step 2: Open Command Prompt. If access is denied when running the command, try opening it as administrator.
Step 3: Enter the following command:
`ipconfig /flushdns`
Step 4: Press Enter.
Windows should display a message confirming that the DNS Resolver Cache was successfully flushed.
You can now try opening the website again.
This command clears the Windows DNS resolver cache but does not clear cached records held by your internet provider.
How to Flush DNS Cache on Mac
On many modern versions of macOS, you can clear the DNS cache using Terminal.
Step 1: Open Terminal from Applications → Utilities.
Step 2: Enter the following command:
`sudo dscacheutil -flushcache; sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder`
Step 3: Press Enter.
Step 4: Enter your Mac password if prompted.
Step 5: Try accessing the website again.
The command may not display a success message. DNS cache commands can differ between macOS versions, so check the instructions for your installed version if it does not work.
How to Clear DNS Cache on Android
Android devices generally do not have a universal DNS-flushing command available through their normal settings.
However, you can try refreshing your connection.
Step 1: Turn on Airplane Mode.
Step 2: Wait a few seconds.
Step 3: Turn Airplane Mode off.
Step 4: Reconnect to Wi-Fi or mobile data.
Step 5: Try opening the website again.
If the problem continues, restart your phone.
You can also try another browser or connection.
These steps may refresh some network state, but they do not guarantee that every DNS cache has been cleared.
How to Refresh DNS on iPhone
iPhones do not offer a dedicated DNS cache flush button in normal settings.
You can try the following:
Step 1: Open Settings.
Step 2: Enable Airplane Mode.
Step 3: Wait a few seconds.
Step 4: Disable Airplane Mode.
Step 5: Reconnect to the internet.
Step 6: Try opening the affected website.
If the problem persists, restart your iPhone.
Remember that these actions are troubleshooting steps, not guaranteed methods for clearing every cached DNS record.
How to Clear DNS Cache in Your Browser
Some browsers maintain their own DNS-related caches or network connection information.
This means clearing your operating system's DNS cache may not resolve every browser-specific problem.
If a website still fails to load, try:
- Closing and reopening your browser.
- Testing the website in another browser.
- Restarting your device.
- Checking whether the problem affects other websites.
Browser-specific DNS cache controls vary by browser and version.
When Should You Flush DNS Cache?
Clearing your DNS cache can be useful when:
- A website recently changed hosting providers.
- DNS records have been updated.
- Your computer continues connecting to an old server.
- A website loads on another device but not yours.
- You are troubleshooting a DNS-related connection error.
However, clearing DNS cache will not fix incorrect DNS records on the domain's authoritative nameservers.
What If Flushing DNS Doesn't Fix the Problem?
If the website still doesn't work, the issue may be outside your device.
For example, the domain may have incorrect DNS records, its nameservers may be misconfigured, or its hosting server may be unavailable.
You can investigate the domain using IPZW's DNS Lookup tool.
Step 1: Visit https://whatismyipaddress.co.zw/dns-lookup
Step 2: Enter your domain name.
Step 3: Select the DNS record type you want to check.
Step 4: Run the lookup.
Step 5: Compare the returned records with the information supplied by your hosting provider.
If you recently changed your domain's DNS configuration, read our guide on DNS propagation to understand why some resolvers may still return older information.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to flush DNS cache?
Yes. Clearing the operating system's DNS resolver cache is generally safe. Your device will request DNS information again when needed.
Does flushing DNS cache speed up the internet?
Not necessarily. It may resolve problems caused by outdated cached DNS information, but it does not increase your internet connection's bandwidth.
Does flushing DNS cache delete passwords?
No. The Windows DNS flush command does not delete saved passwords or personal files.
How often should I clear DNS cache?
There is generally no need to clear it regularly. DNS caches normally update as their stored records expire.
Why does a website work on my phone but not my computer?
The devices may use different DNS caches, resolvers, network settings or connections.
## Final Thoughts
DNS caching helps websites load efficiently, but outdated information can occasionally cause connection problems.
On Windows, the command `ipconfig /flushdns` provides a straightforward way to clear the system DNS resolver cache.
On Mac, Terminal commands can perform a similar task, while mobile devices may require connection refreshes or restarts.
If the issue continues, investigate the domain's DNS configuration rather than repeatedly clearing your cache.
Check your domain's DNS records using IPZW Network Tools:
https://whatismyipaddress.co.zw/dns-lookup
Explore more networking tutorials:
https://whatismyipaddress.co.zw/learn
IPZW Network Tools — Built for Zimbabwe. Useful everywhere.