The function of the DNS (Domain Name System) cache in Google Chrome is to speed up browsing by storing information about previously visited websites. As time progresses, though, the DNS cache can become outdated, leading to issues such as website loading errors, displaying the wrong version of a website, or even access to old site versions. Clearing the DNS cache can help alleviate these problems and allow a new browsing experience. Using the internal DNS settings page at chrome://net-internals/#dns is one efficient way to do this on Chrome.
In this article, I will take you through the steps involved in clearing the DNS cache in Chrome, explain what DNS caching means, and explain why one might want to clear it occasionally. Let us get down into details and step through it.
What is DNS Cache?
A local data storage based on domain name lookups is known as a DNS cache. When you visit any site, Chrome resolves domain names into IP addresses through this DNS cache, thus making it faster. This means your browser will not keep asking for the same domain-to-IP address from DNS servers; it will simply take it from the local storage.
But sometimes, we have problems with this DNS cache. For example, when there is a change in a site’s information, such as when an IP address is updated, your browser could continue using old cached data. Some such errors could be 404 Not Found, wrong versions of websites, or even failure in DNS. In these cases, you must clear the DNS cache so that Chrome can download fresh domain information again.
Why to Clear the DNS Cache?
Clearing the DNS cache may be needed in several situations. Here are some examples:
- Website Changes: When a website changes its IP address or gets migrated to another server, an old DNS cache entry may keep your browser from locating the site properly.
- Website Errors: Sometimes, errors in DNS entries or caching outdated ones lead to problems connecting or loading the websites. This is why clearing the cache ensures that your browser uses fresh data concerning DNS.
- Privacy and Security: Clearing out periodically also safeguards privacy. The records of visited websites could build up over time, affecting one’s security or privacy.
- Faster Website Access: With obsolete DNS entries purged, this ensures Chrome retrieves its information from the most current database on DNS servers, hence leading to a faster and more dependable browsing experience
The Steps for Cleaning DNS Cache in Chrome
It’s easy to clear Chrome’s DNS cache. This is how:
1. Launch Chrome, then open DNS settings.
- To empty out Chrome’s DNS cache, you must open it and head to the internal network settings page. Here’s how:
- Open a new tab on Chrome.
- Type chrome://net-internals/#dns in the address bar, then press enter.
- You will land on Chrome’s internal network diagnostic page, which allows you to manage DNS settings and view DNS information.
2. Get hold of DNS Information
When you land on the chrome://net-internals/#dns page, there will be a section entitled Host resolver cache. This section shows you locally cached information regarding the system, which includes information like how many imaginable cache entries exist.
3. Emptying DNS Cache
To do so, simply press clear host cache, and all the previously stored cache entries in Chrome will be flushed out, obliging it always to fetch new data when one revisits any site using this browser.
The procedure takes seconds before you know it, but once completed, any DNS issues bothering you have been diffused since there aren’t repeated cached records.
How to Verify the DNS Cache is Cleared
After clearing the DNS cache, you might want to verify that it has been successfully emptied. Here’s how:
- Revisit the chrome://net-internals/#dns page after clearing the cache.
- You should see a significant reduction in the number of cached entries (ideally, it should be zero).
Additionally, try reloading the problematic website or browsing the web usually to ensure that DNS-related issues are resolved.
Best Practices Regarding DNS Cache Management
Even though it’s helpful to clear the DNS cache, it is advisable to follow these best practices:
Regular Maintenance: Develop a routine of clearing the DNS cache every few months so you do not have to worry about any outdated cache entries causing problems.
Stay Informed: If you experience DNS problems often, try using more dependable DNS servers like Google DNS (8.8.8.8) or Cloudflare’s DNS (1.1.1.1), allowing faster and safer browsing.
Avoid Unnecessary Clearing: When cleared too many times, one may notice slow browsing speeds temporarily since Chrome has to reconstruct its entire cache from scratch.
Conclusion
One of the fast and straightforward means of solving some internet issues, such as having old data on websites or loading errors, is by clearing the DNS cache in Chrome through the chrome://net-internals/#dns page. To have an up-to-date DNS cache, follow these simple instructions, ensuring you keep visiting your favorite websites without any delays.
Most people don’t seem to realize that when they experience website problems, slow browsing speeds, or DNS lookup-related issues, clearing their DNS server is usually the right thing to do.
FAQs
The DNS cache stores domain name-to-IP address translations locally in your browser to speed up website loading times by avoiding repeated lookups.
Clearing the DNS cache can help resolve issues like website loading errors, outdated web content, or slow browsing caused by stale or incorrect DNS entries.
You can clear the DNS cache by navigating to chrome://net-internals/#dns and then clicking the “Clear host cache” button on the page.
After clearing the DNS cache, Chrome will have to re-fetch domain information from DNS servers, which may briefly slow down browsing but will resolve any issues related to old cache data.
Yes, it’s completely safe to clear the DNS cache. It won’t negatively affect your system or browsing experience and may help improve website access.
