Flush DNS

Read this article if you want to learn more about how to flush DNS on Windows and Mac.

 

What is DNS cache?

By default, operating systems cache IP addresses to optimize requests sent to a hostname. Having issues viewing specific URLs can be caused by DNS caching. 

To change the behavior you'll need to flush your DNS settings in the terminal of your operating system. Below you'll find lists of how to flush DNS on the most common operating systems.

 

How to flush DNS on Windows

Windows® 10

Steps:

• Hold down the Windows key and press “R” to bring up the Run dialog box.
• Run the following command: 
• ipconfig /flushdns

Windows® 8

Steps:

• Press Win+X to open the WinX Menu.
• Right-click Command Prompt and select Run as Administrator.
• Run the following command: 
• ipconfig /flushdns

Windows® 7

Steps:

• Click Start.
• Enter cmd in the Start menu search text box.
• Right-click Command Prompt and select Run as Administrator.
• Run the following command:
• ipconfig /flushdns
• Output: Windows IP configuration successfully flushed the DNS Resolver Cache.

 

How to flush DNS on Mac

MacOS

Steps:

• Click Applications.
• Click Utilities.
• Click Terminal.

Run the command depending on which OS version you're using
(see version list below).

 

OS version 10.14 Mojave

• sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder && echo macOS DNS Cache Reset

OS version 10.12 Sierra 

• sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder

OSX 10.11.0 El Capitan

• sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder

 

OSX 10.10.4 Yosemite

• sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder

OSX 10.10.0 – 10.10.3 Yosemite

• sudo discoveryutil mdnsflushcache

OSX 10.9 – 10.8 – 10.7 (Mavericks, Mountain Lion & Lion)

• sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder

 

OSX 10.5 – 10.6 (Leopard & Snow Leopard)

• sudo dscacheutil -flushcache