Chrome Net Internals DNS History Delete Not Working-A Complete Guide

Managing DNS settings is a common task for users who frequently troubleshoot internet connectivity or website loading issues. Google Chrome provides a built-in network diagnostic tool known as chrome://net-internals, which allows you to clear cached data, monitor network events, and reset internal settings. However, many users encounter a frustrating issue — DNS history delete not working. This guide explains why this happens, how to fix it, and what alternatives you can use.

Understanding Chrome Net Internals & DNS Cache

Chrome’s Net Internals page is a hidden diagnostic dashboard designed for developers and advanced users. One of its key features is the DNS tab, where you can:

• View host resolver cache

• Clear DNS cache

• Reset sockets

• Diagnose DNS-related issues

DNS caching helps Chrome speed up website loading by storing domain-to-IP mappings. But when DNS changes on the server or a website moves to a new host, the cached information can cause errors like:

• Old IP loading

• Website not opening

• Server not found

• Redirect loops

Clearing the DNS cache usually fixes these issues — but sometimes the “Clear host cache” button doesn’t work.

Why DNS History Delete May Not Work in Chrome

Many users report that clicking “Clear host cache” does nothing. The problem can occur due to:

1. Chrome 106+ Restrictions

Recent Chrome versions limited some functions of chrome://net-internals, shifting network debugging to newer tools. As a result, the DNS tab may not work reliably.

2. Active Sockets Holding DNS Entries

Even if you clear DNS cache, open socket pools may retain old information. This prevents complete deletion.

3. Browser Extensions

Ad blockers, VPN extensions, and web filtering tools may override or refresh DNS mappings.

4. Operating System DNS Cache

Chrome is not the only place where DNS is stored. Your OS (Windows, macOS, Linux) keeps its own DNS cache, which may override Chrome settings.

5. Chrome Profile Corruption

Damaged user profiles may block internal resetting features.

How to Fix “DNS History Delete Not Working” in Chrome

If clearing DNS via Net Internals fails, use the solutions below.

1. Clear DNS Cache Using Chrome Flags

Chrome offers an alternative method via network service flags.

Steps:

1. Open:

    

   chrome://net-export/

2. Restart network services.

3. Access DNS via:

    

   chrome://net-internals/#dns

4. Click Clear host cache again.

This sometimes reactivates blocked actions.

2. Clear DNS Cache by Resetting Sockets

Sockets may prevent DNS deletion.

How to do this:

1. Open

    

   chrome://net-internals/#sockets

2. Click:

   • Flush socket pools

   • Close idle sockets

Go back to the DNS tab and try clearing cache again.

3. Flush DNS Cache in Your Operating System

Even if Chrome refuses to delete DNS, you can manually flush it from your OS.

Windows:

Open Command Prompt as Administrator and run:

macOS:

Run the command in Terminal:

Linux (Ubuntu):

Now restart Chrome and check again.

4. Disable Extensions Temporarily

Extensions like VPNs and security plugins can block internal settings.

Steps:

1. Go to:

    

   chrome://extensions/

2. Disable all extensions.

3. Restart Chrome.

4. Try deleting DNS history again.

If it works, re-enable extensions one by one to find the culprit.

5. Clear Chrome Browser Cache & Profile Data

Sometimes browser data is the problem.

Clear cache:

1. Go to Settings → Privacy → Clear browsing data

2. Select: Cached images and files + Cookies

3. Clear data

4. Restart Chrome

Reset Chrome profile:

If nothing works, create a new Chrome profile and test the DNS delete function.

6. Update or Reinstall Chrome

Older or corrupted Chrome installations may break developer tools.

• Update Chrome from: Settings → About Chrome

• If still not working, reinstall the browser

This restores all diagnostic functions including DNS flushing.

7. Use Chrome DevTools as an Alternative

Google is gradually replacing Net Internals. You can use DevTools:

1. Press Ctrl + Shift + I

2. Go to Network tab

3. Disable cache

4. Refresh the website

This forces Chrome to load a fresh DNS route indirectly.

When Should You Clear DNS Cache?

You should delete DNS history when:

• A website has changed hosting

   

• SSL certificates recently updated

• You are getting frequent DNS errors

• Website not loading with updated IP

• After switching VPN connections

Clearing DNS ensures Chrome fetches the newest domain information.

Final Thoughts

If your Chrome Net Internals DNS history delete is not working, don’t worry — it is a common issue caused by newer Chrome updates, socket activity, or operating system caching. Using the alternative methods explained above, such as flushing OS DNS, resetting sockets, or updating Chrome, you can easily fix the issue and regain full control over your browser’s DNS settings.