How To Clear DNS Cache On Chrome : chrome://net-internals/#dns

If sites won’t load properly on Google Chrome or you’re seeing the same error over and over, a corrupted DNS cache is usually to blame, and clearing it refreshes Google Chrome’s connection to the Internet. This guide provides instructions for clearing a DNS cache on Chrome (Windows, Mac, and Android) as well as resetting it across the system for seamless browsing.

What is DNS and Why Clearing It Helps

The Domain Name System (DNS) acts like a phone book for the internet, converting a site name into an IP address. Chrome keeps a record of these lookups in its DNS cache, which should improve site load times. However, if the cache is outdated, you will encounter:

• Sites not loading or showing errors
• Wrong page redirects
• Slow connections

Clearing the DNS cache forces Chrome to fetch fresh data, which usually fixes the issue instantly.

Signs You Should Clear Chrome’s DNS Cache

• Pages load partially or not at all
• You get redirected to the wrong site
• Browsing suddenly becomes slow
• Errors persist even after refreshing

How to Clear DNS Cache in Chrome (Windows & Mac)

Chrome maintains its own DNS cache. Here’s how to clear it:

1. Clear Host Cache

• Open Chrome
• Type chrome://net-internals/#dns in the address bar
• Press Enter
• Click Clear host cache (//net-internals/#dns clear host cache)

2. Flush Socket Pools (Optional but Recommended)

• Go to chrome://net-internals/#sockets
• Click Flush socket pools

This ensures Chrome disconnects stale connections and reloads with new DNS data.

Tip for Mac Users: If you’re on macOS and want to clear both Chrome and system caches, you’ll need to follow the extra steps in the system section below (how to clear DNS cache on Chrome Mac).

How to Clear DNS Cache on Chrome Android

On mobile, Chrome doesn’t give a full DNS menu like on desktop. However, you can still clear DNS cache in Chrome for Android:

• Open Chrome on your phone
• In the address bar, type: chrome://net-internals/#dns (sometimes shown as chrome.//net-internals/dns mobile)
• Tap Enter
• Hit Clear host cache

This works the same way as desktop, but may appear slightly different depending on your Chrome version.

Clearing System DNS Cache

If Chrome clearing doesn’t solve the issue, your operating system’s DNS cache may also need a reset.

Windows 10/11

• Open Command Prompt (Admin)
• Type: ipconfig /flushdns
• You’ll see: Successfully flushed the DNS Resolver Cache

Mac

• Open Terminal
• Type: sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder
• Enter your password

Linux

• Use: sudo systemd-resolve –flush-caches
• Or: sudo /etc/init.d/nscd restart

DNS Cache in Chrome Incognito

A lot of people believe the Incognito window doesn’t cache anything, but the Chrome DNS cache is shared between your normal and incognito windows. If you’re experiencing issues in your Chrome netinternals DNS clear incognito, you’ll have to do it the same way as before:

• Go to chrome://net-internals/#dns
• Click Clear host cache

This clears the cache for all sessions.

DNS History and Cache

You can also see the DNS Details in Chrome through chrome.//net-internals/dns history. This section will show you cached entries and also help you confirm if clearing cache fixed the issue. If you still have issues, you can clear both cache and socket pools, which is best practice

Clearing DNS in Other Browsers

Other browsers may store their own DNS entries:

• Firefox: Go to about: networking#dns → Clear DNS Cache
• Edge: Go to edge://net-internals/#dns → Clear host cache

Router-Level Flush

Sometimes, your router caches DNS too, and it usually resets this cache when you restart your router. For advanced users, most routers also have a setting in their admin to clear the DNS.

Preventing DNS Cache Problems

• Use trusted DNS servers like Google (8.8.8.8 / 8.8.4.4) or Cloudflare (1.1.1.1)
• Keep Chrome updated
• Clear DNS cache when sites don’t load correctly
• Restart your device or router if issues persist

Quick Troubleshooting Checklist

If clearing DNS doesn’t help:

• Restart Chrome
• Restart your computer or mobile
• Check your internet connection
• Try another browser
• Change DNS servers (Google/Cloudflare)
• Clear cookies and cache
• Update Chrome and system software

Conclusion

Flushing your DNS cache in Chrome is a simple but effective fix to resolve browsing errors. No matter whether you are using the browser on Windows, Mac, or Android, you can clear Chrome’s DNS with chrome://net-internals/#dns clear. Optionally, you can clear your system or router cache as well. Doing this, and then pointing to stable DNS servers, leads to a better browsing experience that is faster and more reliable.

FAQS

How do I clear DNS cache in Chrome?

Launch Chrome and input chrome://net-internals/#dns into the address bar. Hit Enter and then select Clear host cache. For optimal results, it’s recommended you then visit chrome://net-internals/#sockets and hit Flush socket pools so that any active connections are refreshed, too.

Is it safe to clear your DNS cache?

Yes, it is entirely safe. The only thing clearing the DNS cache does is remove any outdated or corrupted records of website addresses. It does not touch your passwords, bookmarks, or browsing history.

3. What is chrome //net-internals/#dns?

The chrome://net-internals/#dns page is a hidden settings page in Chrome that shows DNS records that are cached on your computer. It also has the Clear host cache button, which allows you to manually reset the DNS cache in Chrome.

4. Does clearing DNS cache clear history?

No, clearing the DNS cache resets only stored DNS lookups. This will not affect your browsing history, cookies, bookmarks, or saved logins.