How to Clear the DNS Cache in Chrome, Edge, Firefox, Safari, and Opera

When your browser loads the wrong website or fails to update a domain’s IP address, your DNS cache might be the culprit. Clearing it can fix connection errors, outdated site versions, and other weird browsing issues.

Here’s a no-nonsense guide to clearing the DNS cache in Chrome, Edge, Firefox, Safari, and Opera.

✅ What Is a DNS Cache?

Your browser keeps a record of DNS lookups—basically, a shortcut so it doesn’t have to ask the internet every time you visit a site. But sometimes these cached records go stale. That’s when clearing the cache can help.

1. How to Clear DNS Cache in Chrome

1. Open a new tab.
2. Type chrome://net-internals/#dns into the address bar and hit Enter.
3. Click the “Clear host cache” button.

That’s it. No restart needed.

2. How to Clear DNS Cache in Microsoft Edge

Since Edge is Chromium-based, the steps are nearly identical to Chrome:

1. Open a new tab.
2. Enter edge://net-internals/#dns in the address bar.
3. Hit “Clear host cache.”

Done.

3. How to Clear DNS Cache in Firefox

Firefox handles DNS differently, but you can still flush it:

1. Type about:networking#dns into the address bar.
2. Press Enter.
3. Click “Clear DNS Cache.”

Firefox doesn’t cache as aggressively, but it’s still worth doing during troubleshooting.

4. How to Clear DNS Cache in Safari (Mac Only)

Safari doesn’t have an in-browser DNS cache clearing option, so you need to flush your Mac’s system DNS cache:

1. Open Terminal.
2. Paste the following command: sudo dscacheutil -flushcache; sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder
3. Hit Enter and enter your admin password if prompted.

This clears all DNS cache for Safari and any other app using DNS.

5. How to Clear DNS Cache in Opera

Opera is also Chromium-based, so it’s the same process as Chrome:

1. Go to opera://net-internals/#dns.
2. Click “Clear host cache.”

That should do the trick.

🔁 Bonus: Clear System DNS Cache (Windows & Mac)

Sometimes your operating system’s DNS cache causes issues, too.

On Windows:

1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
2. Type: ipconfig /flushdns
3. Press Enter.

On macOS: Use the Terminal command listed in the Safari section above.

👊 Wrap-Up

Clearing your browser’s DNS cache is a fast, effective way to fix loading issues and force updated connections. Bookmark this guide for the next time your browser seems to be stuck in the past.

Let me know in the comments if you’ve run into DNS issues and how clearing the cache helped—or didn’t.

Mark Vincent

Tech enthusiast and content creator passionate about making technology simple for everyone. I share practical tips, guides, and reviews on the latest in computers, software, and gadgets. Let’s explore the digital world together!