Google Chrome stores DNS (Domain Name System) records in its cache to speed up website loading times. However, outdated or corrupted DNS cache entries can cause browsing issues, such as websites failing to load or resolving incorrectly. To resolve these issues, clearing the DNS cache is essential.

Chrome provides a built-in tool, chrome://net-internals/#dns, that allows users to flush the DNS cache easily. Whether you are using Chrome on a desktop or Android device, this guide will walk you through the steps to clear the DNS cache effectively.

What is DNS Cache?

DNS cache is a temporary database stored by your device that holds records of previous DNS lookups. It helps Chrome quickly resolve domain names to IP addresses without querying external DNS servers repeatedly. However, when the cache becomes outdated or incorrect, clearing it can help troubleshoot connectivity problems.

Why Clear DNS Cache in Chrome?

Flushing the DNS cache can help resolve:

• Website loading issues – If a website’s IP address has changed but your cache retains the old one.
• DNS-related errors – Fixes errors like “DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN” or “ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED.”
• Security concerns – Prevents potential DNS spoofing attacks by clearing outdated records.
• Network changes – Helps when switching between different networks to update DNS resolution.

How to Clear DNS Cache in Chrome (Desktop)

Follow these steps to flush the DNS cache on Chrome’s desktop version:

Step 1: Open Chrome’s Internal DNS Page

1. Launch Google Chrome.
2. Type chrome://net-internals/#dns into the address bar and press Enter.

Step 2: Flush the DNS Cache

1. Locate the “Clear host cache” button on the page.
2. Click on it to flush the DNS cache.

Step 3: Restart Chrome (Optional)

To ensure changes take effect, close and reopen Chrome after clearing the DNS cache.

How to Clear DNS Cache in Chrome (Android)

Google Chrome on Android does not provide direct access to chrome://net-internals/#dns. However, you can use alternative methods to clear the DNS cache.

Method 1: Using Chrome’s Net Internals

1. Open Google Chrome on your Android device.
2. In the address bar, type chrome://net-internals/#dns and press Enter.
3. Tap “Clear host cache” to flush the DNS cache.

Method 2: Clearing Chrome App Cache

1. Open Settings on your Android device.
2. Go to Apps & notifications > See all apps > Chrome.
3. Tap Storage & cache.
4. Select Clear cache (this does not remove browsing history or saved data).

Method 3: Restarting Network Connection

1. Turn on Airplane Mode for a few seconds, then turn it off.
2. Restart your Wi-Fi or Mobile Data to refresh DNS settings.

Conclusion

Clearing the DNS cache in Chrome can resolve connectivity issues, fix outdated DNS records, and enhance security. Whether using a desktop or Android device, Chrome’s built-in chrome://net-internals/#dns page provides a simple way to flush the DNS cache. If the issue persists, consider clearing Chrome’s app cache or restarting your network settings for a complete refresh. Regularly clearing the DNS cache ensures smooth and secure browsing.