How to Flush DNS

This wikiHow teaches you how to clear your computer's DNS cache, which is a collection of recently visited websites' addresses. Clearing the DNS cache will usually solve "Page Not Found" errors and other DNS-related errors.

Method 1
Method 1 of 2:
On Windows

  1. Image titled 1160292 1
    1
    Open Start
    Image titled Windowsstart.png
    .     Do so by clicking the Windows logo in the bottom-left corner of the screen, or by pressing ⊞ Win.
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    2
    Type cmd into Start. This will search your computer for the Command Prompt app.
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    3
    Click
    Image titled Windowscmd1.png
    Command Prompt.     It should be the first icon at the top of the Start window. Doing so opens the Command Prompt app.
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    4
    Type in ipconfig /flushdns then press ↵ Enter. Doing so will immediately clear your PC's DNS cache.
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    5
    Restart your web browser. You should now be able to connect to any DNS error-locked pages.

Method 2
Method 2 of 2:
On Mac

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    1
    Open Spotlight
    Image titled Macspotlight.png
    .     It's in the top-right corner of the screen.
    • You can also press ⌘ Command+Space to open Spotlight.
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    2
    Type terminal into Spotlight. Doing so will search your Mac for the Terminal application.
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    3
    Click Terminal
    Image titled Macterminal.png
    .     It should be the first option at the top of the Spotlight results.
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    4
    Type the following code into Terminal:

      sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder;say DNS cache has been flushed

    • Then press ⏎ Return. This will run the DNS flush command.
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    5
    Enter your Mac's password if prompted. It's the password you enter when logging into your Mac. Doing so will complete the DNS flush process.
    • Terminal won't show your keystrokes as you type, but it will record them.
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    6
    Restart your web browser. You should now be able to connect to any DNS error-locked pages.

Community Q&A

  • Question
    In Windows I entered the "ipconfig /flushdns" command and received the following: "The requested operation requires elevation." What does this mean?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    It is because you don't have administrative access. Open your cmd using administrator access (usually known as "Run As Administrator").
  • Question
    Why do some websites work and others cannot be found?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Your wifi firewall or the country may have some have censorship. Change your VPN to see if that works.
  • Question
    How can I flush a D.N.S. PC laptop or mobile device?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    On Windows, open Command Prompt and after the prompt, without the quotes, type in "ipconfig/flushdns".
  • Question
    Why can't I access Roblox? It says "This site can't be reached. The connection was reset."
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    It may be your internet connection. Unplug the device, wait 30 seconds and plug it back in.
  • Question
    I can't get into the website I want to because of the connection was reset. What should I do?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Try to flushdns and maybe check your connection to the Internet. If not, check your firewall or browser, as both may be blocking your connection to the website.
  • Question
    What do I do if I'm on mobile?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    It is very hard to do it on mobile, as many companies won't let you use a command prompt due to the operating system and applications being proprietary software.
  • Question
    What if I'm getting a 502 gateway error NGINX/0.7.67 from any location?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    That means that the NGINX web server is either not properly configured, or is not able to connect to the upstream server (which is normally the website).

Warnings

  • Websites will take a bit longer to load the first time you access them after flushing the DNS cache.
    Thanks!


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About This Article

JL
Written by:
Jack Lloyd
Tech Specialist
This article was written by Jack Lloyd. Jack Lloyd is a Technology Writer and Editor for wikiHow. He has over two years of experience writing and editing technology-related articles. He is technology enthusiast and an English teacher. This article has been viewed 1,881,517 times.
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Co-authors: 26
Updated: September 6, 2021
Views: 1,881,517
Categories: Computer Networking
Article SummaryX

To flush your Windows computer’s DNS, start by clicking the Windows logo in the bottom left corner of your screen. Then, type “command prompt” into the search box, and select the Command Prompt app, which should be the top icon in the Start window. Next, enter "ipconfig /flushdns," and press Enter. Finish by restarting your web browser. For tips on how to flush your DNS on a Mac, read on!

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