How to Flush DNS Cache on Mac

Jul. 16, 2024

If your Mac is unable to load a website that’s working fine on other devices, there are some issues with the DNS cache. When you’re stuck with connectivity issues, you should clear the DNS cache on your MacBook and the website should start loading for you. If you don’t have much idea about what DNS cache is and how it impacts your Mac’s functionality, you need not worry, as we’re here to help you. Read on to learn why flushing the DNS cache is important and how to clear the DNS cache on your Mac. No matter which macOS you’re using, this guide will surely come in handy. Without any ado, let’s begin!

What is DNS Cache?

Your Mac uses this information to fulfil your requests in the future. The browser doesn’t have to make a new request every time, instead, it can use the DNS cache and access the saved information to load the website quickly. Since your browser doesn’t have to communicate with a remote DNS server, this saves time and delivers faster results.

It’s relatively simple and quick to clear the DNS cache on your Mac. You can easily do it, even if you don’t have sound technical knowledge. All you have to do is open Terminal and then paste a command. Here’s how to flush the DNS cache on Mac with the Terminal Command.

The DNS flush command is different in the older macOS. The overall process is the same, but you have to copy/paste different Terminal commands fordifferent macOS versions.macOS VersionTerminal CommandmacOS SonomamacOS VenturamacOS MontereymacOS Big SurmacOS Catalinasudo dscacheutil -flushcache; sudo killall -HUP mDNSRespondermacOS MojavemacOS High SierramacOS SierraOS X Mountain LionMac OS X Lionsudo killall -HUP mDNSResponderMac OS X El CapitanOS X Maverickssudo dscacheutil -flushcache;sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponderOS X Yosemitesudo discoveryutil mdnsflushcache;sudo discoveryutil udnsflushcachesMac OS X Snow Leopardsudo dscacheutil -flushcacheMac OS X Leopardsudo lookupd -flushcacheMac OS X Tigerlookupd -flushcache

When you face such connectivity issues, you must flush the DNS cache on your Mac. When you do this, your Mac will delete its local DNS records. So, next time you wish to open a website, your web browser will retrieve the fresh information from the DNS server. This will improve your browsing experience and will make your browser much faster.