You are reading this article because your computer or internet provider may still be using outdated DNS records, which can cause websites to load incorrectly or point to the wrong server.
How to Clear Your DNS Cache
If you've been asked to "clear your DNS cache", it usually means your computer is storing old DNS information locally.
This outdated information can prevent your computer from finding the correct server for a website or email service.
Common Symptoms
- Seeing an old version of your website
- Your website appears offline for you but works for others
- Your domain points to the wrong server
- Email or website services stop loading correctly after migration
Why This Happens
DNS (Domain Name System) works like the internet's phonebook, translating website names into server IP addresses.
To speed things up, your computer stores these lookups locally in a DNS cache.
However, when a website moves servers, DNS records change, or a domain is renewed, your computer may continue using the old information until the cache expires.
Good news: Clearing the DNS cache forces your computer to fetch the latest DNS records immediately instead of waiting hours or days for automatic updates.
Quick Navigation
Windows 10 / Windows 11 / Windows 8
- Press
Win + X - Select: Command Prompt (Admin) or Windows Terminal (Admin)
- Type the following command:
ipconfig /flushdns
- Press Enter
You should see:
Successfully flushed the DNS Resolver Cache.
If it still does not work, try restarting your browser or computer.
Windows 7 / Vista / XP
- Close all web browsers
- Click: Start > Run
- Type the following command:
ipconfig /flushdns
- Press Enter
- A black command window may briefly appear and disappear
- Re-open your browser and try the website again
macOS
First, open:
Applications > Utilities > Terminal
Then enter the command matching your macOS version.
Ventura / Monterey / Big Sur / Catalina / Mojave / High Sierra
sudo dscacheutil -flushcache; sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder
Yosemite
sudo discoveryutil mdnsflushcache
Mavericks / Mountain Lion / Lion
sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder
Snow Leopard (10.6)
sudo dscacheutil -flushcache
You may be prompted for your Mac password. Nothing will appear on screen while typing, this is normal.
Still Having Problems?
Additional Troubleshooting
- Clear your browser cache
- Restart your modem/router
- Try another internet connection or mobile data
- Restart your computer