How to Flush DNS Cache and Reset Internet Connection (Windows & Mac)

This guide explains how to flush the DNS cache and reset an internet connection on both Windows and Mac.

What is DNS cache?

Your computer stores DNS (Domain Name System) information locally so it doesn’t need to ask a DNS server every time you visit a website. This is called the DNS cache, and it helps speed up browsing.

However, cached records can become outdated or corrupted. When this happens, you might see errors such as pages not loading, DNS server not responding, or trouble connecting to certain sites. Flushing the DNS cache clears out the stored records and forces your device to request fresh information from the DNS server. In addition, resetting your network connection through commands like ipconfig /release, ipconfig /renew, and a Winsock reset helps fix communication issues between your device and the internet.

How to flush DNS cache on Windows

Open Command Prompt as Administrator
- Click the Windows Start menu, usually located in the bottom left corner of your screen.
- Type cmd in the search bar.
- Right-click on the Command Prompt option in the search results and select Run as administrator.
- Select Yes if prompted with “Do you want to allow this app to make changes to your device?”
Flush the DNS Cache
- In the Command Prompt window, type:
```
ipconfig /flushdns
```
- Then press the Enter key on your keyboard.
- You should see the message: Successfully flushed the DNS Resolver Cache.
Re-register the DNS
- Type:
```
ipconfig /registerdns
```
- Press Enter.
- This will re-register your computer’s DNS settings.
Release the Current IP Address
- Type:
```
ipconfig /release
```
- Press Enter.
Renew the IP Address
- Type:
```
ipconfig /renew
```
- Press Enter.
- This forces your computer to request a new IP address from the network.
Reset Winsock (Network Socket Settings)
- Type:
```
netsh winsock reset
```
- Press Enter.
- This resets the communication settings between your computer and the internet.
Restart Your PC
- Close the Command Prompt window and restart your computer. Restarting ensures all changes take effect.

How to flush DNS cache on Mac

Open Terminal
- Press Command (⌘) + Spacebar on your keyboard to open Spotlight Search.
- Type Terminal then press the Enter / Return key.
- Alternatively click the magnifying glass in the top-right corner near date and time and search for Terminal or go to Applications > Utilities > Terminal.
Use the Corresponding DNS Flush Command
Type or copy & paste the command for your version of macOS – Find out which macOS your Mac is using.
- macOS 10.15 – 26 (Catalina, Big Sur, Monterey, Ventura, Sonoma, Tahoe):
```
sudo dscacheutil -flushcache; sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder
```
- macOS 10.11 – 10.14 (El Capitan, Sierra, High Sierra, Mojave):
```
sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder
```
- macOS 10.10 (Yosemite):
```
sudo discoveryutil mdnsflushcache
```
- macOS 10.7 – 10.9 (Lion, Mountain Lion, Mavericks):
```
sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder
```
- macOS 10.6 and older (Snow Leopard and earlier):
```
sudo dscacheutil -flushcache
```
Enter Your Password
- After typing the command corresponding to your version of macOS, press the Enter / Return key on your keyboard.
- Type in your administrator password when prompted. (Note: The cursor will not move as you type – this is normal.)
- Press Enter / Return again.

Flushing the DNS and resetting the network connection often solves most connectivity issues. If issues continue, you may need to restart your router or check with your Internet Service Provider (ISP).

How to Flush DNS Cache and Reset Internet Connection (Windows & Mac)

What is DNS cache?

How to flush DNS cache on Windows

How to flush DNS cache on Mac

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