Stuck on a site that won’t update—or just not loading at all? Chrome’s built-in DNS cache (host resolver cache) might be the culprit. Clearing it is a simple yet powerful fix.
This guide walks you through every step of using chrome://net-internals/#dns, as well as helpful extras like flushing socket pools and resetting system DNS settings.
You’ll learn:
- What the Chrome DNS cache does (and why you may need to clear it)
- A complete, step-by-step clearing process
- How to handle issues on mobile devices or when the net-internals tool seems hidden
- Bonus steps for a full cleanup on Windows, macOS, and Linux
- SEO-friendly tips to ensure you stay ahead in Google search
Let’s dive in—no tech jargon, just clear steps!
What is the DNS cache in Chrome?
It’s a snapshot of domain names and their IP addresses, stored within your browser for faster future visits. But when the DNS records change—or something goes wrong—Chrome might keep using outdated information.
That means slow page loading, broken links, or old versions of websites. Chrome doesn’t rely only on the operating system’s DNS cache—it keeps its own.
Clearing OS-level DNS might not fix the issue if Chrome still has stale entries. That’s where chrome://net-internals/#dns comes in.
———————
Step-by-Step: Clearing DNS Cache in Chrome
Let’s go through the simple steps:
Step 1: Open Chrome
Launch Google Chrome on your computer (this works on Windows, macOS, Linux).
Step 2: Access the DNS Internal Page
Type or paste this into the address bar:
chrome://net-internals/#dns
and press Enter. You'll land on Chrome’s DNS debugging panel.
Step 3: Clear the Host Cache
Look for the “Clear host cache” button next to "Host resolver cache" and click it. This removes saved DNS entries immediately.
Step 4: Flush Socket Pools (Recommended)
Even after clearing DNS, Chrome’s existing network connections may still hold onto outdated data. To refresh completely:
1. Type:
```
chrome://net-internals/#sockets
```
2. Click “Flush socket pools” to close active sockets.
Step 5: Restart Chrome
Close and reopen Chrome to ensure all changes are in effect, then reload the page.
Step 6: Test Your Connection
Visit the problematic website again. It should now fetch the latest entry with fresh DNS resolution.
What If It Still Doesn’t Work?
It happens. Here are extra steps to help:
A. Clear System DNS Cache
Sometimes the problem lies at the operating system level:
Windows: Open Command Prompt as Admin and run:
```
ipconfig /flushdns
```
macOS: Open Terminal and run:
```
sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder
```
(For older macOS versions, use `sudo discoveryutil mdnsflushcache`)
Linux (Ubuntu/Debian):
```
sudo systemd-resolve --flush-caches
```
Or:
```
sudo /etc/init.d/networking restart
```
B. Disable Extensions or Secure DNS
Some extensions or DNS-over-HTTPS settings interfere with DNS resolution. Try disabling them or going to chrome://settings → Privacy and Security to turn off “Secure DNS.”
C. Consider the Browser or Network
Test another browser. If it's a Chrome-only issue, try resetting Chrome using `chrome://settings/reset`. If every browser is affected, the issue could be your router or ISP DNS. Some users found disabling IPv6 worked.
5. Special Cases & Developer Tips
Mobile (iOS/Android): Chrome on iPhone or iPad doesn’t support `chrome://net-internals/#dns`. Use Airplane Mode toggle to reset network cache.
On Android: Some Chromium-based mobile browsers may offer `chrome://net-internals`, but behavior varies.
Logging or Debugging: The `chrome://net-internals` tools also offer logs under NetLog, compression dictionary info, and more advanced diagnostics.
Summary: Quick Troubleshooting Checklist
1. Open `chrome://net-internals/#dns`, click **Clear host cache**
2. Open `chrome://net-internals/#sockets`, click **Flush socket pools**
3. Restart Chrome
4. Flush system DNS (if needed)
5. Disable VPN, extensions, or Secure DNS if issues persist
6. Test connectivity—should work now!
### Final Thoughts
Clearing Chrome’s DNS cache is a fast, effective fix for many browsing headaches—from broken sites to stale content. With `chrome://net-internals/#dns`, you gain direct access to Chrome's internal host cache—giving you control and clarity. Combine it with socket pool flushing and system-level resets, and you're set to tackle even the trickiest DNS problems.
Let me know if you'd like:
* A visual screenshot walkthrough
* A video version of this guide
* More SEO tips to supercharge your article’s reach
Good luck, and may your Chrome run smooth and glitch-free on GreyKnight17.com!ogle Chrome on Computer and Phone"
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