{"id":1408,"date":"2023-10-12T19:43:56","date_gmt":"2023-10-12T14:13:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.veeble.org\/kb\/?p=1408"},"modified":"2025-03-26T11:26:38","modified_gmt":"2025-03-26T05:56:38","slug":"clear-dns-cache-mac-linux","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.veeble.com\/kb\/clear-dns-cache-mac-linux\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Clear DNS Cache on Mac and Linux Systems"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Follow these comprehensive methods to clear the DNS cache on Mac and Linux devices, ensuring smoother network operations.<\/p>\n\n\n

Method 1: Using Terminal<\/h4>\n\n

For Mac OS X:<\/h5>\n\n\n
    \n
  1. Access the Terminal<\/strong>: To start, locate the “Terminal” in your “Utilities” folder within “Applications” or use Spotlight (Cmd + Space) to search for it.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. Flush the DNS Cache<\/strong>: Open the Terminal and enter the following command, then press Enter:<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
    sudo dscacheutil -flushcache; sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder<\/pre>\n\n\n\n
    You’ll be asked for your admin password; input it and press Enter. Note that you won’t get a confirmation message, but rest assured, your cache is cleared. You may then exit the Terminal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
    <\/p>\n\n\n
    For Linux:<\/h4>\n\n\n
      \n
    1. Open a Terminal<\/strong>: Depending on your Linux distribution, access the Terminal through applications or by pressing Ctrl + Alt + T.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    2. Flush the DNS Cache<\/strong>: In the Terminal, use one of the following commands based on your Linux distribution:<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
      For Ubuntu 18.04 and newer<\/a> (with systemd-resolved)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
      sudo systemctl restart systemd-resolved<\/pre>\n\n\n\n
      For older Ubuntu versions<\/a> or those using nscd:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
      sudo \/etc\/init.d\/nscd restart<\/pre>\n\n\n\n
      For distributions with dnsmasq:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
      sudo service dnsmasq restart<\/pre>\n\n\n\n
      If your distribution doesn’t have a specific DNS cache service, restart the networking service:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
      sudo service networking restart<\/pre>\n\n\n\n
      Once executed, you may see notifications indicating service restarts, which means the cache has been flushed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
      <\/p>\n\n\n
      Method 2: Simply Restart Your Device<\/h4>\n\n\n
      A straightforward way to ensure a cleared DNS cache for both Mac and Linux is to reboot your computer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
      <\/p>\n\n\n
      Method 3: Clean Your Browser Cache<\/h4>\n\n\n
      Encounter DNS issues while online? Clearing your browser cache<\/a> can alleviate website-specific challenges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
      \n
      \"clearing<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
      <\/p>\n\n\n
      Method 4: Toggle Your Network Connection (Mac only)<\/h4>\n\n\n
        \n
      1. Click the network symbol in the menu bar.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      2. Choose “Turn Wi-Fi Off” or “Disconnect.”<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      3. Wait a moment and then switch Wi-Fi back on or reconnect. This might help in refreshing the DNS cache.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
        <\/p>\n\n\n
        Method 5: Opt for Alternative DNS Servers<\/h4>\n\n\n
        Facing continuous DNS problems? Consider switching to other DNS servers, such as Google DNS<\/a> or OpenDNS<\/a>. This step might address your issues even if it doesn’t clear the cache.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
        “Final Note: According to industry best practices and expert consensus, clearing the DNS cache is usually diagnostic, not routine. For persistent network issues, consult a network specialist or your ISP for more guidance.”<\/div>