DNS requests are usually cached, that’s good as it speeds up look-ups within the same host but sometimes we will want to clear the cache so it doesn’t hold invalid values. Use the information below to flush your DNS cache...

To clear your DNS cache in Windows (Vista and 7) use the following procedure:

1) Open a command prompt [Start - Run, and then type in CMD and press Enter]

2) Right click on the Command Windows and select: "Run as Administrator"

3) Type in the following and press Enter: ipconfig /flushdns

You should get a message that your cache was cleared. For a "best practice", restart your computer after clearing the cache.

To clear your DNS cache in Windows (XP and 2003) use the following procedure:

1) Open a command prompt [Start - Run, and then type in CMD and press Enter]

2) Type in the following and press Enter: ipconfig /flushdns

You should get a message that your cache was cleared. For a "best practice", restart your computer after clearing the cache.


To  clear your DNS cache in Mac (OS Tiger and below) use the following procedure:

1) Open up the Terminal Application [found in Applications -> Utilities folder]

2) In the terminal window type in the following and press Enter: lookupd -flushcache

To  clear your DNS cache in Mac (OS Leopard and above) use the following procedure:

1) Open up the Terminal Application [found in Applications -> Utilities folder]

2) In the terminal window type in the following and press Enter: dscacheutil -flushcache

Article ID: 4, Created On: 12/12/2008, Modified: 4/30/2010