How to Flush DNS
Flushing DNS clears old domain lookup information that may stop websites from loading correctly.
What DNS cache does
DNS turns domain names into network addresses. Devices, browsers, routers, and providers may cache DNS results so websites load faster. Sometimes a cached result becomes stale or wrong.
Windows
- Open the Start menu.
- Type cmd and open Command Prompt.
- Type ipconfig /flushdns and press Enter.
- Close and reopen the browser.
Mac, phones, and browsers
On Mac, use the DNS flush command for your macOS version in Terminal. On phones, toggling airplane mode, disconnecting and reconnecting Wi-Fi, or restarting the device often clears the practical cache. Browsers may also have their own DNS cache, especially Chrome-based browsers.
When to try it
Flush DNS when one site fails, a domain recently moved, or you see repeated DNS errors. If every site is failing, restart the router and check your connection too.