Clear a local DNS cache
Flush DNS when one device still remembers an old website or mail server address
Clearing the local cache removes saved DNS answers from that device, but it does not change the domain’s live DNS records. Check another connection first, then use the correct command for your operating system and restart the affected app.
Will flushing DNS fix the problem?
It may help
The service works on mobile data or another device, but one computer still opens an old address or reports that the host cannot be found.
It will not change live DNS
If every device sees the wrong result, inspect the authoritative records, nameservers and recent DNS changes instead.
Browser cache is separate
Restart the browser or test a private window after flushing the operating system cache.
Other caches can remain
Your router, security software or internet provider can retain an answer until its DNS TTL expires.
How to flush DNS on your device
| System | What to do |
|---|---|
| Windows 10 or 11 | Open Command Prompt or Windows Terminal as administrator, enter ipconfig /flushdns, then press Enter. |
| Recent macOS | Open Terminal and enter sudo dscacheutil -flushcache; sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder. Enter the Mac password if requested. No success message is normal. |
| Linux with systemd-resolved | Open a terminal and enter sudo resolvectl flush-caches. Other Linux resolvers use different commands. |
| Phone or tablet | Enable airplane mode briefly, reconnect, then restart the browser or mail app. Restart the device if necessary. |
What should you do after flushing?
- 1Restart the app
Close and reopen the browser, mail client or other affected software.
- 2Test a private window
This reduces the effect of a saved browser page or redirect.
- 3Try another network
Mobile data helps distinguish the device from the router or provider.
- 4Check authoritative DNS
If the problem remains everywhere, review the live zone instead of repeatedly flushing.
DNS cache questions
Will flushing DNS interrupt my website?
No. It clears saved answers only on the device where the command is run.
Will it speed up DNS propagation?
It can remove a local old answer, but it cannot force other resolvers to discard data before the TTL expires.
Why do I still see the old page?
The browser may have cached the page or redirect, or a router or upstream resolver may still hold the old DNS answer.
Should I reset my DNS zone?
No. A local cache issue is not a reason to overwrite authoritative DNS records.
Still seeing the old result?
Compare another device and network before changing live DNS
That quick test reveals whether the issue is local or affects everyone.