What is DNS Cache?
DNS (Domain Name System) is like a phonebook for the internet. It translates human-readable website addresses (like [invalid URL removed]) into numerical IP addresses that computers understand. To speed up website loading, your device stores a cache of recently accessed DNS records.
Why Flush DNS Cache?
Sometimes, DNS records can become outdated or corrupted, leading to issues like slow website loading or inability to access certain websites. Flushing your DNS cache can help resolve these problems.
How to Flush DNS Cache
The steps to flush DNS cache vary slightly depending on your operating system. Here's a breakdown for common platforms:
Mac
- Open Terminal: Go to Applications > Utilities > Terminal.
- Enter the command: Type
sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponderand press Enter. - Enter password: You'll be prompted to enter your administrator password.
- Confirm: Press Enter again to confirm the command.
Windows
- Open Command Prompt: Search for "Command Prompt" in the Start menu and open it as an administrator.
- Enter the command: Type
ipconfig /flushdnsand press Enter.
Linux
The exact command to flush DNS cache on Linux can vary depending on your distribution. Here are some common examples:
- Debian/Ubuntu:
sudo /etc/init.d/dnsmasq restart - Fedora/CentOS:
sudo systemctl restart NetworkManager - Arch Linux:
sudo systemctl restart dnsmasq
