Clearing DNS cache memory refreshes outdated domain name-to-IP address mappings, improving system performance, resolving connectivity issues, and enhancing security. This guide walks you through simple steps for flushing the DNS cache on Windows, Mac, and Linux, ensuring smoother and faster browsing experiences. 

Understanding how DNS (Domain Name System) cache memory works is important if you want to avoid system performance issues, connectivity glitches, or potential security risks.

Clearing your DNS cache can help resolve network problems, improve security, and keep hackers at bay. Managing DNS caching is essential for businesses that rely on smooth, uninterrupted online operations.

Why Should You Clear DNS Cache Memory?

Suppose you’re a small business or an entrepreneur who has worked hard to set up your online store. One fine day, your website just starts popping up with repeated errors. This might be because your computer might still be using an old IP address stored in your DNS cache, leading to connectivity problems.

Clearing DNS cache memory has surprising benefits:

  • Fix Website Loading Errors: When your cache entries are too outdated, it might cause mismatches with the updated IP addresses.
  • Better Security: Piled-up DNS entries are gold mines for hackers who might exploit cached entries for malicious activities. Clearing the cache becomes crucial in such cases.
  • Perform Better: Browser speeds improve when you remove any unnecessary data by refreshing the DNS cache.
  • Resolving Connectivity Issues: If you’re having trouble connecting to sites, you can clear the DNS cache to resolve this issue.
Also Read: The Crazy Easy guide to DNS Hosting

How to Clear DNS Cache Memory on Windows

Small businesses or entrepreneurs require easy-to-use interfaces like the Windows operating system. Whether you’re managing a personal device or a company network, knowing how to clear your DNS cache can help improve performance and resolve connectivity issues. 

Here are a few simple steps to help you clear DNS cache memory on a Windows device:

For Windows 10/11:

1.  You must open the Command Prompt:

  • Press Win+R, enter ‘cmd’, and press Enter.
  • Another way to do this is to search for “Command Prompt” in the Start menu and select “Run as Administrator”.

2. Flush the DNS Cache:

  • You must enter the following command into the Command Prompt:

Ipconfig/flushdns

  • After you’ve entered the command correctly, press Enter.
  • Once you’ve pressed Enter, you should be able to see a confirmation message saying, “Successfully flushed the DNS Cache.”

3.  Restart Your Browser:

  • To apply the changes explained above, you must close and reopen your browser.
Pro Tip: Before you hit any command, use the ipconfig /displaydns command to view your DNS cache entries before clearing them. This way, you can review which records are currently stored and decide if a flush is necessary.

How to Clear DNS Cache Memory on Mac

One of the strongest operating systems available, the Mac, is a favourite among creatives and established companies. In case you encounter DNS-related issues, these are some easy steps on how to clear DNS cache memory:

For macOS Ventura, Monterey, or Big Sur:

1. Open Terminal:

Go to Applications> Utilities> Terminal

  • Another way to do the same is by pressing Command+Space, typing ‘Terminal’, and pressing Enter.

2. Flush DNS Cache:

  • Once you’ve executed the above steps, enter the following command based on your macOS version:

sudo dscacheutil -flushcache: sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder

  • Now press Enter. Keep your administrator password nearby, as you may need to enter it.

3. Restart Network Application:

  • You must restart your browser, email client, or any app that is working on internet connectivity. 

Keep your macOS updated to ensure that your DNS performs most efficiently. It will help you avoid cache-related issues and maintain smoother, faster network connections.

Also Read: How To Update the DNS for Website Builder

How to Clear DNS Cache Memory on Linux

Linux systems are highly favoured by developers and entrepreneurs because they excel in flexibility and control. Depending on the distribution and caching service in use, the steps to clear the cache in Linux will vary.

For Ubuntu:

1.  Open Terminal:

  • Press Ctrl+Alt+T to open terminal

2.  Clear DNS Cache:

If you’re using the system-resolved service, run

  • sudo systemd-resolve –flush-caches

For any other DNS services (e.g., dnsmasq), use

  • sudo service dnsmasq restart

3. Verify DNS Flush:

To confirm that the cache has been cleared, run:

  • sudo systemd-resolve –statistics
  • After these commands, look for a reduction in cache entries. 
Pro Tip: Before flushing the cache, check which DNS service your system is using to avoid running the wrong command. It’s also a good idea to monitor your cache statistics afterwards to confirm the flush was successful.

Wrapping Up

Knowing how to clear your DNS cache is a quick yet powerful way to boost system performance, fix connectivity issues, and enhance online security.

For any business running online, it is crucial to follow these simple steps to enjoy better connectivity, performance, and an overall safe network ecosystem.

From affordable domain registration to reliable hosting and creative tools, Crazy Domains has everything you need to grow your business online. We provide the tools to get you started and the support to help you thrive in the digital world.

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