How to Clear DNS Cache on Mac

If web pages aren’t loading correctly or you’re experiencing network glitches, your Mac’s DNS cache might be the culprit. Clearing it can help fix connectivity issues by forcing the system to update domain name records. Here’s how to do it properly.

💻 Step 1: Use Terminal to Flush the DNS Cache

🖥️ Step 1: Open the Terminal App

Press Command (⌘) + Space to launch Spotlight Search.
Type Terminal, then press Enter to launch it.

2. Enter this command in Terminal

Copy the following command and paste it into Terminal, then press Return:

Click "Show Command" to reveal

This command clears the DNS cache and restarts the related services. It works on most modern macOS versions.

🌐 Step 2: Test Your Network Connection

After flushing the DNS cache, try opening a few websites or restarting your browser. You should notice improved connectivity or faster domain resolution.

📡 Step 3: Restart Your Router (Optional)

If issues persist, consider restarting your Wi-Fi router. Cached DNS settings from your network hardware can sometimes cause conflicts too.

🧪 Step 4: Check DNS Settings

Go to System Settings → Network → Wi-Fi → Details → DNS. Consider using trusted DNS servers like Cloudflare (1.1.1.1) or Google (8.8.8.8) for better performance and stability.

🔁 Step 5: Restart Your Mac

After all changes are made, a quick restart ensures everything resets cleanly. This helps the system apply the DNS updates across all apps and services.

Note: This process doesn’t affect personal files or saved settings. It simply refreshes how your Mac communicates with domain name servers.