Old and new DNS entries together can create too much data on your server. This can slow down your website and cause connection errors. When outdated DNS records stick around, pages take longer to load and messages like “Server not found” or “DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_BAD_CONFIG” may appear.
A DNS cache reset solves these problems quickly and helps your site connect properly again. Be careful though. Using the wrong commands for your system or a small typo, such as mixing up slashes, can make the reset fail.
This guide explains how to reset DNS on Windows, macOS, Linux, and Chrome. These methods are the same ones network professionals use to fix DNS issues reliably and efficiently.
What is a DNS Cache?
A DNS cache is like a little notebook your computer keeps to remember website addresses. Every time you visit a website, your computer needs to know the IP address of that site (like a phone number for the website). Instead of asking the internet every time, your computer writes it down in the DNS cache so it can find the site faster next time.
After the DNS cache, your site becomes faster, your computer doesn’t spam DNS servers with repeated requests, helping to reduce DNS lookups, and websites open quicker because the IP is already stored.
What Happens Inside the DNS Cache
Every cached entry contains:
- Domain name: The website you visit (like example.com).
- IP address: The numeric address of the site (like 93.184.216.34).
- Time to live (TTL): How long the record stays in the cache before it’s considered outdated.
Alt text: example of DNS entry
This means your computer knows that example.com lives at 93.184.216.34 and will keep that info for 3600 seconds (1 hour) before checking again.
Because of this, many site owners try to flush their DNS so that their sites respond faster. However, a lack of expertise and knowledge can lead to confusion with commands or coding.
It’s recommended to keep the site running normally while performing a DNS flush and to consult a professional, such as website development service providers like Pure Website Design. We can flush the DNS and validate it using tools like ping, nslookup, or by simply checking for DNS refreshes.
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How I Flush DNS Cache on Windows 10 and 11
Flushing DNS on Windows is similar across most versions, especially the newer ones. Follow these steps:
- Open Command Prompt: Click the Start button and type cmd in the search bar. Right-click Command Prompt and select Run as administrator.
- Flush the DNS: Enter the following command
Alt text: flush dns command
Press Enter. This will clear the stored DNS cache and reset the resolver settings. - Confirmation: Once complete, a message will appear confirming the DNS cache has been successfully flushed. The system will now use fresh DNS information when accessing websites.
How I Flush DNS Cache on macOS
Flushing the DNS cache on macOS requires different commands depending on the version. Follow these steps:
- Open Terminal: Click the magnifying glass icon on the top menu bar or press Command + Confirm the Flush Worked
Most macOS DNS flush commands don’t show a confirmation message. If no error appears, the command likely worked. Spacebar. In the Spotlight Search, type Terminal and press Enter.
- Enter the Flush Command: Use the command that matches your macOS version:
-
- Big Sur (11), Monterey (12), Ventura (13), Sonoma (14), Sequoia (15):
Alt text: El Capitan command
- Big Sur (11), Monterey (12), Ventura (13), Sonoma (14), Sequoia (15):
- El Capitan (10.11), Sierra (10.12), High Sierra (10.13), Mojave (10.14), Catalina (10.15):
Alt text: El Capitan command
- Yosemite (10.10):
Alt text: El Capitan command
- Lion (10.7), Mountain Lion (10.8), Mavericks (10.9):
Alt text:Lion flush dns command
- Snow Leopard (10.6):
Alt text: Snow Leopard flush dns command
- Leopard (10.5):
Alt text: Leopard flush dns command
If Terminal asks for authorization, enter your user password to grant admin privileges.
- Confirm the Flush Worked: Most macOS DNS flush commands don’t show a confirmation message. If no error appears, the command likely worked.
How I Flush DNS Cache on Linux
Flushing the DNS cache on Linux can vary depending on the distribution and the DNS service it uses. For example, Ubuntu often uses dnsmasq, while Red Hat Enterprise Linux typically uses NCSD.
- Check Your DNS Service If you’re unsure which service your system uses, run the following in Terminal (replace dns_service with dnsmasq, nscd, or bind):
Alt text: flush dns command
- Open Terminal: Press Ctrl + Alt + T to open Terminal.
- Flush the DNS Cache: Use the command for the service your system runs:
- Dnsmasq:
Alt text: Dnsmasq flush dns command - NCSD:
Alt text: NCSD flush dns command - BIND:
Alt text: BIND flush dns command
Enter your account password if prompted (skip this step if logged in as root). The DNS service will stop briefly and restart.
- Alternative Method: If systemctl doesn’t recognize your DNS service, you can flush the cache with:
Alt text: alternate flush dns command
After completing these steps, your Linux system will use fresh DNS entries for faster and more accurate browsing.
How Often Should I Flush My DNS Cache?
There’s no strict schedule for flushing your DNS cache. Most of the time, your system manages it automatically, and everything runs smoothly. You might consider flushing it when:
- Websites aren’t loading properly or keep showing old content.
- You’ve recently changed DNS settings or switched to a new DNS provider.
- You encounter errors like “DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_BAD_CONFIG” or “Server not found.”
Flushing too often isn’t necessary, but doing it occasionally when issues pop up keeps your browsing fast, accurate, and up to date.
Is It Safe to Flush My DNS Cache?
Yes, flushing your DNS cache is generally safe. It only clears the temporary records your computer has saved about website addresses, so nothing permanent is changed.
You might notice websites load a little slower the first time you visit them afterward, because your system is fetching fresh DNS information. That’s normal and nothing to worry about.
The main thing to watch for is using the right commands for your operating system to safely fix DNS server problems without disrupting connectivity.
FAQs
How do I know when to flush my DNS cache?
Flushing is helpful when websites fail to load, show old content, or display errors like DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_BAD_CONFIG. It’s also useful after changing DNS settings to apply updates immediately.
How often should DNS cache be cleared?
There’s no strict rule. Most users only need to flush it when issues occur, such as incorrect site loading, slow browsing, or after switching DNS servers. Regular system management usually handles it automatically.
Can flushing DNS improve website speed and security?
Yes, clearing outdated entries helps your device connect to the correct servers faster. It also removes any potentially malicious or spoofed entries, enhancing both speed and online security.
How can I flush DNS on Windows, macOS, and Linux?
The process differs by system. On Windows, use ipconfig /flushdns, on macOS Terminal commands vary by version, and on Linux commands depend on the DNS service. Following correct instructions ensures a clean, refreshed cache.
Why is my website still loading old content after DNS flush?
Websites may still show old content due to server caching or CDN delays. Flushing DNS only clears your local device cache; servers may take time to update globally.
Can Pure Website Design help with DNS and website issues?
Pure Website Design provides expert support to flush DNS safely and validate connectivity. They use tools like ping and nslookup to ensure the website resolves correctly, saving time and avoiding common errors.
How can professionals ensure DNS changes work correctly?
Experts at Pure Website Design monitor DNS propagation, perform controlled flushes, and verify the site’s response. Their approach avoids mistakes that often confuse beginners while ensuring fast and accurate access to websites.
Wrap Up
Flushing your DNS cache is a simple but powerful way to keep browsing smooth, accurate, and secure. Whether you’re troubleshooting website errors, updating DNS settings, or just improving overall performance, knowing how to flush DNS on Windows, macOS, or Linux makes a big difference.
Remember, it’s safe to do and can solve many common connectivity issues. If you’re unsure or want to ensure everything is done correctly, expert support from services like Pure Website Design can help validate DNS changes and keep your website running flawlessly.
