Clearing the DNS cache on your computer
A DNS cache is a basically a captured extract of the DNS records for a website since you first visited it. This cache will refresh at a set interval depending on how this is saved to your device, your network and your internet service provider.
Whilst clearing your DNS cache will more often than not correct a DNS related issue, if your ISP (internet service provider) still has a DNS cache of their own you will have to wait for that to flush as well and this is beyond your control.
How to clear your DNS cache
Windows
- Open the Start Menu and search for cmd.
- Open the Command Prompt program.
- Type the following in the command window:
ipconfig /flushdns - Press the Enter key.
macOS
- Navigate to Terminal.
- Type the following in the command window:
dscacheutil -flushcache - Press the Enter key.
Linux
- Navigate to Terminal.
- Type the following in the command window:
/etc/init.d/nscd restart - Press the Enter key.
Note: if this does not resolve your issue, you may still need to wait up to 24-48 hours for the cache of your greater network (including your internet service provider) to refresh.