A DNS cache or DNS resolver cache, is a temporary database of DNS lookups on the OS and browser. It consists of the records of recent as well as attempted visits of websites along with domains. To troubleshot cache poisoning or other internet connectivity issues, you may need to flush the DNS cache. The action will remove all the DNS entries. Besides, it also gets rid of invalid records. Let’s check out the way to clear the DNS cache on your Mac.

What does Clearing the DNS cache do?

If you are having trouble accessing a website on your Mac, or if webpages do not load properly, clearing DNS cache will help. It also lets you correctly see the new version of a website, in case the site has recently moved its servers. It does so by clearing the outdated entries and fetching the new ones. Finally, regularly flushing DNS cache may also help in hiding search behavior and offer security against manipulation.

How to Flush DNS Cache on Mac

For macOS Catalina, Mojave, High Sierra, Sierra, and macOS El Capitan the command is the same.

  1. Open Terminal using Launchpad or Use Finder → Applications → Utilities, or Spotlight Search (Command+Space Bar) for this.

    Open Terminal from Launch Pad on Mac

  2. Now, you need to enter the command given below.
    sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder

    Type Command and Press Enter in Terminal on Mac

  3. Enter your Mac’s password and then press the enter key again.

    Enter Password and Press Enter to Clear DNS Cache on Mac

Done! Now, you may have to wait for a few moments until the DNS cache is completely flushed out. Once it’s done, a verbal audio alert will confirm that the DNS cache is flushed on your Mac.

You have successfully cleared the DNS Cache on your Mac! Most likely, now you will have no trouble visiting websites or seeing webpages.

Clear DNS Cache in Older macOS versions

If you are using an older version of macOS, then here are the commands for those.

To clear DNS cache on macOS Yosemite, enter the following syntax:

sudo discoveryutil udnsflushcaches

To clear DNS cache on macOS Lion, Mountain Lion, and Mavericks, enter the following syntax:

sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder

That’s all, folks.

Signing off…

Hopefully, getting rid of the DNS cache will no longer be a big deal for you. Additionally, if you like, you can also choose to clear DNS Cache only for the Google Chrome browser. For this enter chrome://net-internals/#dns in Chrome’s address bar. Next, click on Clear host cache.