How to Clear Chrome DNS Cache & Fix Chrome DNS Errors (Windows, macOS & Linux)

 

Chrome DNS Cache


Have you ever attempted to navigate to a website only to receive a ghastly error message? It's one of those moments when seemingly everything else—your internet, your Wi-Fi, even other websites—are working. But one site will not load.

Many times, this challenge is not necessarily with the website, nor your internet connection. The problem is likely hiding in plain sight in your browser: your DNS cache.

The clear Chrome DNS cache function is a quick fix for common Chrome DNS errors. The problems occur when recalled DNS data from your browser was either stale or corrupted. Don't be concerned, you do not need to be extremely technically inclined to resolve these errors. Let's take you through easy step-by-step instructions to get you back into Chrome on Windows, macOS, or Linux.

What Is a Chrome DNS Error?

DNS (Domain Name System) could be thought of as the internet's contact book; it changes/plays between domain names and assigned IP addresses. However, on occasion, Chrome will continue to use inappropriate or outdated DNS data, leading to errors like:

  • "This site can't be reached"

  • "DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN"

  • "Server DNS address couldn't be found"

All these errors mean the browser couldn't make a match between a domain name and the appropriate IP address.

How to Clear Chrome DNS Cache

The easiest way to resolve this problem is to use the hidden tool in Chrome:

  1. Start Chrome and go to this link: chrome://net-internals/#dns

  2. Click the "Clear host cache" button.

  3. Go to the "Sockets" tab from the menu.

  4. Click on "Flush socket pools."

  5. Restart Chrome and refresh the website.

After doing that, any old DNS entries will be deleted and any active network connections will be reset. Chrome will start from scratch.

Clear DNS Cache from Your Operating System

If the browser cache clearing option above has not resolved the issue, the cause could be your operating system. Here are directions for flushing the DNS cache on the various platforms.

Windows:

  • Open Command Prompt

  • Type: ipconfig /flushdns

  • Hit Enter, and you will see a message that says it was successful.

macOS:

  • Open Terminal

  • Type: sudo dscacheutil -flushcache

  • Enter your password and hit Enter.

Linux:

  • Open Terminal

  • Type: sudo systemd-resolve --flush-caches

  • Hit Enter.

Other Solutions to Fix Chrome DNS Errors

If the method above still leaves you with errors, here are other solutions:

1. Reset Network Settings

Windows:

Enter the following commands in Command Prompt:

netsh winsock reset  
netsh int ip reset

Restart the computer.

macOS:

  • Open System Preferences > Network

  • Click on Advanced and remove any old network entries

  • Reconnect to the current network

2. Change DNS Servers

Sometimes DNS servers run by your ISP cause problems. Use public DNS servers instead:

Google DNS:

  • Primary: 8.8.8.8

  • Secondary: 8.8.4.4

Cloudflare DNS:

  • Primary: 1.1.1.1

  • Secondary: 1.0.0.1

Head to the network settings in your system and update the DNS setting. Disconnect and reconnect the connection afterward.

3. Clear Browser Cache & Cookies

  • Go to Chrome Settings > Privacy and Security

  • Click on Clear browsing data

  • Select the options for:

    • Cookies and other site data

    • Cached images and files

  • Click Clear data

4. Temporarily Turn Off Your Antivirus or Firewall

Sometimes such software blocks legitimate DNS queries. Try turning these services off just to test whether they're the cause of the problem. Remember to turn them back on again when you have finished testing.

5. Check Your Internet Connection

Verify the stability of your internet connection. Reboot your modem or router, then reconnect if needed.

Why Clear the Chrome DNS Cache on a Regular Basis?

Most reasons for clearing your DNS cache have to do more with prevention than it does with the remediation of any issues. Here’s why clearing your DNS cache can help:

  • Prevent outdated, old or wrong D N S entries

  • Speed up your browsing

  • Make sure you have smooth transitions after a websites' change of IP

  • Secure yourself by deleting malicious D N S

  • Load new content after a website has been changed

✅ SEO Keyword: How to Clear Chrome DNS Cache (highlighted once)

In Conclusion

Chrome DNS errors are annoying but often easily fixed. Clear your cache as per the instructions above and reset your network adapter and those issues can often be resolved in a matter of minutes.

If you are experiencing recurrent issues, regular updating of your Chrome version and refreshing your resolve could be a solution as well. Maintenance is always easier than repairs.

Remember, if after trying everything still fails, give your internet service provider or someone with more technical knowledge a call.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is chrome://net-internals/#dns?
This is a hidden diagnostic page on Chrome often used to clear the DNS acer and troubleshoot DNS-related connection problems.

Q: Does clearing the DNS cache erase my browsing history?
No, clearing the DNS cache will only remove DNS records—not your browsing history.

Q: Is it safe to change DNS?
Yes, using DNS servers from trusted companies like Google or Cloudflare can often lead to improved performance and security.

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