How to Clear DNS Cache on a Mac [Recovery Tip]

Your Mac's DNS files are essential for converting domain names, such as google.com, into IP addresses used by computers to interact. These files may occasionally become out-of-date or corrupt, which can cause connectivity problems like sluggish internet or incorrectly loading web pages. Users must flush the DNS cache on Mac to remove these out-of-date entries and enable the system to retrieve new DNS data reliably.

Moreover, flushing DNS records can clear the old IP addresses and help improve security and internet connectivity, resolve browsing problems, and ensure smoother internet access. Let's explore the complete details about how to clear the DNS cache on Mac!

How to Clear DNS Cache on Mac

Clearing the DNS cache on a Mac is crucial for fixing network problems and increasing surfing speed. The DNS caches contain domain name information to speed up website access. This cache can go out of date or corrupt, which can cause connectivity issues, including pages loading incorrectly or websites not loading at all.

By clearing the cache, you may ensure accurate and speedy browsing by forcing your Mac to receive the most recent DNS information from the network. This process is straightforward and can often resolve common internet-related issues quickly. To clear DNS Cache on Mac:

Step 1. Open Terminal on your Mac. There are two methods to do so: Press Command + Space to launch Spotlight and type "Terminal" to launch it. Select it from the "Applications > Utilities > Terminal."

Step 2. In the Terminal window, enter the following command: sudo dscacheutil -flushcache; sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder

Step 3. Press "Return". You will be prompted to enter your Mac's password. Type your password and press Return again.

Step 4. Wait for a new command line to appear, indicating that the DNS cache has been successfully cleared. A confirmation message will not be displayed.

Have you cleared your DNS cache using the above method? Share this helpful guide with friends who might also find it useful! Spread the knowledge on social media to help others resolve their internet issues effortlessly.

[Bonus Tip] How to Recover Deleted Files on Mac

While cleaning the DNS cache, inadvertently, it might be annoying to erase crucial information, such as DNS files. For a dependable and easy way to recover lost files, EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard for Mac will help with its advanced algorithm. This software ensures that your important data may be retrieved quickly in emergencies by retrieving a wide range of file formats, including documents, images, videos, and more.

EaseUS, with its 99.7% data recovery rate, offers a user-friendly interface and strong scanning capabilities to quickly Recover deleted cache files on Mac, regardless of whether you unintentionally erased DNS or other vital documents.

• Recovers various file types, including DNS configurations, documents, photos, and videos, effortlessly.
• A user-friendly interface ensures a simple recovery process, ideal for users encountering unexpected data loss.
• Utilizes advanced scanning technology to search and recover deleted files effectively and thoroughly.
• Allows previewing of recoverable files to restore necessary data, enhancing recovery accuracy and efficiency selectively.

Step 1. Select the location to scan

Launch EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard for Mac and choose the hard drive, SSD,  SD card, USB flash drive, or TF card where you lost data. Click "Search for lost files" to start scanning.

Note: Before data recovery, you'd better click "Disk Backup" from the left sidebar to create a backup of your Mac to avoid further data loss. After backing up, the software can recover data from the Mac backup, and your computer can wirte new data again.

Step 2. Filter lost Mac data

The software will automatically scan for lost data on MacBook/iMac. When the scan completes, filter wanted data through the "Type" and "Path" buttons.

Step 3. Recover lost data or files

Double-click a file to preview it. Then, click the "Recover" button to restore the lost data to another place. 

With this reliable recovery tool, you can safeguard your data and get peace of mind while ensuring you can quickly recover from unintentional deletions.

Why You Need to Clear DNS Cache on Mac

Here are a few reasons why you need to clear DNS cache on Mac:

• Resolve Connectivity Issues - One major advantage of clearing the DNS cache on Mac is that it can resolve internet connectivity issues.
• DNS Server - Getting DNS Server not responding to error messages on screen? Try cleaning out the DNS cache to solve the issue.
• DNS poisoning - Clearing the DNS cache is important to prevent your system from DNS poisoning.
• Trouble Accessing Websites - If you can't access a particular website, flushing the DNS cache might help.

Summary

To sum up, cleaning the DNS cache on a Mac is crucial for fixing network problems, and if essential files - like DNS configurations—are inadvertently erased in the process, EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard offers a dependable fix. Users can maintain better internet connectivity and efficiently manage their DNS cache by following the instructions. If data loss occurs, EaseUS provides a user-friendly interface and strong recovery features to restore lost files quickly. To ensure your data is safe and accessible, download EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard for Mac to protect against unintentional file deletions.

How to Flush DNS Cache on a Mac FAQs

Now, let's address some frequently asked questions about flushing the DNS cache on a Mac.

1. Is it safe to flush the DNS cache on Mac?

Flushing the DNS cache on your Mac is generally safe and often necessary to resolve internet connectivity issues. It clears outdated DNS records, ensuring your system fetches the latest information for smooth browsing. Follow the steps carefully to avoid any unintended changes.

2. How to delete the DNS cache on Mac?

To delete the DNS cache on your Mac, open Terminal and enter sudo dscacheutil -flushcache; sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder. This will clear the DNS cache immediately. Ensure you enter your password when prompted and wait for confirmation in the Terminal before proceeding.

3. How do I reset my DNS settings on my Mac?

To reset your DNS settings:

• 1. Go to "System Preferences". Click on "Network".
• 2. Select your network connection and click "Advanced". Navigate to the DNS tab.
• 3. Use the "-" button to remove any DNS addresses. Click OK and exit all windows to apply the changes.

4. How do I check my DNS cache on Mac?

To check your DNS cache on Mac:

• 1. Open the "Console" app. Select your device.
• 2. Enter "any:mdnsresponder" in the search bar.
• 3. Open a terminal window and type "sudo killall -INFO mDNSResponder".
• 4. Return to the Console app to view the list of cached DNS information.