How to Clear DNS Cache Using chrome://net-internals

Clearing the DNS cache in Chrome using chrome://net-internals is a fast and effective troubleshooting method for resolving domain resolution errors, site-loading issues, or outdated DNS records on Cyfuture Cloud environments and any local or remote desktop.

What Is DNS Cache in Chrome?

The DNS cache (Domain Name System cache) is a local store maintained by Chrome that maps domain names to IP addresses previously resolved. This speeds up browsing but can sometimes cause problems such as outdated DNS information, inability to access sites that recently switched hosting or DNS, or persistent network errors.

Chrome keeps its own internal DNS cache, independent of your operating system’s DNS cache.

Clearing this cache forces the browser to fetch fresh DNS data for each website, ensuring accurate and up-to-date connections.

Why Clear the DNS Cache?

Clearing the DNS cache in Chrome is recommended for several reasons:

Resolve site loading errors or persistent DNS failures after a DNS change.

Force Chrome to discard stale DNS data, which might be causing access issues to websites following recent server migrations.

Improve connectivity if cloud server or network changes (Cyfuture Cloud or elsewhere) have introduced new DNS records.

Step-by-Step Guide: Clearing DNS Cache via chrome://net-internals

Method Overview:
The built-in Net Internals DNS tool in Chrome provides direct access to the browser’s DNS cache and tools for flushing it.

1. Launch Chrome and Access Net Internals DNS

Open Google Chrome.

Type chrome://net-internals/#dns in the address bar and press Enter.
You will see a dashboard displaying active hostnames and their resolved IP addresses.

2. Clear the Host Cache

Click the "Clear host cache" button.
This removes all stored DNS records from Chrome’s internal cache.

3. (Recommended) Flush Socket Pools

Open a new tab and type chrome://net-internals/#sockets in the address bar.

Click on "Flush socket pools" to force Chrome to close all open connections and avoid lingering sessions using outdated DNS data.

4. Restart Chrome (Optional)

Restarting Chrome is recommended for cache changes to fully take effect.

Debugging and Verifying DNS Cache Status

After clearing the cache, revisit chrome://net-internals/#dns to check that the host resolver cache is empty or only contains new entries.

If issues persist, check for active DNS entries and verify associated IP addresses for any anomalies or repeated errors.

Clearing System-Wide DNS Cache (Beyond Chrome)

Remember:
Clearing DNS cache in Chrome affects only Chrome’s internal DNS resolver. For thorough troubleshooting on Cyfuture Cloud or personal devices, flush the OS DNS cache as well:

On Windows, use:
ipconfig /flushdns in the Command Prompt.

On Linux/macOS, use:
sudo systemd-resolve --flush-caches or sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder (macOS).

Using chrome://net-internals on Mobile Devices

Chrome’s DNS cache can be cleared the same way on Android and iOS by entering chrome://net-internals/#dns in the browser’s address bar and tapping Clear host cache.

For Android-specific issues:

Toggling Airplane mode for 10 seconds

Resetting network settings (Android 9+): Go to Settings → System → Reset options → Reset Wi-Fi/mobile/Bluetooth

FAQs

Is it safe to clear the DNS cache?
Yes, clearing the DNS cache in Chrome is safe and does not impact general browser or OS performance. It simply removes old DNS records forcing Chrome to query for fresh data.

Does clearing the browser cache clear DNS cache?
No, browser cache and DNS cache are separate; browser cache stores images and files, DNS cache manages domain name resolution.

Will this solve all DNS issues?
Clearing Chrome’s cache addresses browser-side problems, but DNS issues related to your device, network, or server may require OS-level DNS flush or additional troubleshooting.

Branded Closing

For seamless website access and optimal network performance, make clearing Chrome’s DNS cache a regular troubleshooting step! For more hands-on guides and expert cloud support, visit Cyfuture Cloud’s knowledgebase.