Why Clear DNS Cache?
Chrome saves DNS records to speed up website loading. But if the DNS info is outdated or incorrect, it can cause problems like:
- Website not opening
- Error pages instead of correct websites
- Slow page loading
- Incorrect IP addresses being used
Clearing the DNS cache can help fix all of these issues quickly.
How to Clear DNS Cache in Google Chrome (Desktop)
Follow these steps to clear Chrome’s DNS cache on your computer (Windows, Mac, Linux):
Steps:
- Open Google Chrome.
- In the address bar, type this and press Enter: chrome //net-internals/#dns clear
- Click on the button that says: Clear host cache
After this, you can restart Chrome for better results.
How to Clear DNS Cache in Chrome on Android
Google Chrome on Android has fewer built-in options, but here are two working methods:
Method 1: Using net-internals page
- Open Chrome app.
- In the address bar, enter: chrome //net-internals/#dns mobile
- Tap the Clear host cache button.
Method 2: Clear Chrome App Cache
- Go to Settings on your Android phone.
- Tap Apps or App Management.
- Find and tap Chrome.
- Tap Storage & Cache.
- Tap Clear Cache (not Clear Data).
This will remove temporary files including cached DNS entries.
Clear System DNS Cache (Extra Step for Better Results)
If websites are still not loading correctly, you can also flush your device’s DNS cache using these commands:
For Windows:
Open Command Prompt and type: ipconfig /flushdns
Then press Enter.
For macOS:
Open Terminal and type: sudo dscacheutil -flushcache; sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder
Enter your password when asked.
For Ubuntu or Linux (systemd):
Open Terminal and type: sudo systemd-resolve –flush-caches
Then press Enter.
What Does DNS Cache Do?
DNS cache stores website address information so Chrome can load sites faster next time. But if a website changes its IP or you switch networks, Chrome may still use the old info. That’s when errors happen. Flushing DNS forces Chrome to get fresh data.
Common Issues Solved by Clearing DNS Cache
- “This site can’t be reached” error
- Redirection loops
- SSL errors after moving websites
- Chrome showing old or broken versions of sites
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does clearing DNS cache delete browser history?
No. It only removes stored domain name data, not your browsing history.
Q: Should I restart Chrome after flushing DNS?
Yes, it helps the changes take effect immediately.
Q: How often should I clear the DNS cache?
Only when you’re facing problems like broken sites, wrong redirects, or after network changes.
Final Tip
If a website won’t load or shows the wrong page, clearing Chrome’s DNS cache can fix it in seconds. You can also flush your system’s DNS for a complete reset. It’s a simple step, but very effective.