DNS Flushing: Reasons to Flush DNS Cache Periodically

Home » Products » Domains » DNS Flushing: Reasons to Flush DNS Cache Periodically

A DNS cache temporarily stores past DNS lookups that help your device load websites faster. However, it can sometimes store outdated or corrupted data and cause browsing or connectivity issues. Flushing your DNS cache clears this data and forces your device to fetch updated website addresses. This improves security, fixes loading errors, and ensures smooth browsing. In this blog, we will look at DNS cache in detail, from how it works to simple steps to clear it from devices.

What is DNS Cache?

Domain Name System (DNS) cache is like a phonebook stored on your device. Every time you visit a website, your system saves the IP address associated with that domain name. This cached information helps your browser load websites quickly without repeatedly asking DNS servers for the same data.

For example, when you type example.com into your browser, your computer first checks the DNS cache. If it finds the IP address, it loads the site instantly. If not, it queries a DNS server, stores the result, and then loads the page.

Why is DNS Cache Important?

DNS caching speeds up your internet experience. Without it, your device would have to request the IP address from the DNS server every time you visit a website, making browsing slower. The key benefits of DNS caching include:

Faster website loading: Reduces the time needed to resolve domain names.
Reduced server load: Lessens the number of requests sent to DNS servers.
Offline accessibility: Some cached entries allow limited site access without an active internet connection.

How to Flush DNS Cache

Here are different ways you can flush the DNS cache from different browsers.

1.Microsoft Windows

Flushing the DNS cache on Microsoft Windows is a simple process. Here’s how to flush the DNS cache on Windows 10, 8, 7, and XP, respectively:

Windows 10:
First, click on the Start button.
Then, navigate to Windows Systems and click on Command Prompt.
In the Command Prompt window, enter this command- “ipconfig /flushdns”
After this, you will see a confirmation message indicating that the DNS cache has been flushed.
Windows 8:
Open the Apps screen, locate Windows Systems, and select Command Prompt.
There, run the command- “ipconfig /flushdns”
You’ll receive a confirmation once the DNS cache is cleared.
Windows 7 and Windows XP:
Click on the Start button.
Navigate to All Programs, locate Accessories, and click on Command Prompt.
In the Command Prompt window, run the command- “ipconfig /flushdns”
A confirmation message will be displayed once the DNS cache is successfully flushed.

2.Google Chrome

Sometimes, you might need to clear your browser’s DNS cache instead of your operating system’s. You can achieve this in Google Chrome by typing the following in the address bar- “chrome://net-internals/#dns.” Afterwards, click on the “Clear host cache” button.

3.Linux Operating Systems

Flushing the DNS cache on Linux OS is similar to that of a Mac or Windows computer. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to flush DNS cache across different Linux OS:

Open the Terminal and click on “Activities” in the top-left corner of your desktop.
Then, type “terminal” in the search bar to run the program.
After that, type the following command- “sudo systemd-resolve—flush-caches,” and press enter to execute the command.
Then, the system will prompt you to enter your administrator password. Type your password and press enter.
To verify that the DNS cache has been cleared, run this command- “systemd-resolve—statistics”

4.Other Operating Systems

For users on Linux distributions other than Ubuntu, flushing the DNS cache can be done by accessing the command line interface and running the following command- “sudo /etc/init.d/dns-clean start.” Upon executing the command, your cache will be cleared.

Why Should You Flush DNS Cache?

While DNS caching is beneficial, it can cause issues in some situations. Here’s why you might need to clear your DNS cache:

Fix Website Loading Issues:If a website has changed its IP address, your device may still store the old one, preventing access.
Prevent Security Threats: Hackers can manipulate DNS cache entries (DNS poisoning) to redirect you to malicious sites.
Update Cached Information: If a website has moved to a new server or changed its domain, clearing the cache ensures you access the latest version.
Resolve Connectivity Problems:If you experience slow browsing or error messages like ‘DNS Server Not Responding,’ flushing the cache might help.
Enhance Privacy: Your DNS cache contains records of websites you’ve visited. Clearing it removes this browsing history from your local device.

Conclusion

DNS caching plays a crucial role in improving internet speed and reducing server load. However, outdated or corrupted cache entries can lead to browsing issues and security risks. Flushing your DNS cache regularly ensures you access the most recent website information, improves security, and resolves connectivity problems. Follow the simple steps mentioned above to clear your DNS cache based on your operating system and enjoy a smoother browsing experience.

Still confused? Refer to our FAQs for more clarity!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1.Is it safe to clear the DNS cache?

Yes, flushing the DNS cache is a safe and effective way to fix internet connectivity issues. It won’t harm your system or affect performance.

2.How can I clear my DNS cache?

There are different ways to clear the DNS cache. For instance, you can type the “ipconfig /flushdns” command on your Windows computer’s command prompt to flush the DNS cache.