How to Clear DNS Cache on MacOS Ventura

Why Clear DNS Cache?

Clear DNS Cache on MacOS

Before we dive into the process, let’s understand why clearing the DNS cache might be necessary. The DNS cache stores records of previously resolved domain names, and sometimes these cached records can become outdated or corrupted, leading to connectivity problems. Clearing the cache allows your Mac to fetch fresh DNS records and resolve domain names correctly.

Method 1: Using Terminal

• Open the Terminal application. You can find it in the Utilities folder within the Applications folder, or simply search for “Terminal” using Spotlight (Cmd + Space, then type “Terminal”).

• In the Terminal window, type the following command and press Enter:

 ~ % sudo dscacheutil -flushcache; sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder 

• You will be prompted to enter your administrator password. Type it and press Enter.

• Once entered correctly, the DNS cache will be cleared, and you will see a confirmation message.

• To verify that the cache is cleared, you can run this command to view the contents of the DNS cache:

~% sudo dscacheutil -q host -a name <domain-name> 

Replace <domain-name> with the domain you want to look up. If you see a “cache hit” for that domain, it means the cache has been cleared.

Method 2: Using Network Preferences

1. Click on the Apple menu in the top-left corner of your screen and select “System Preferences.”

2. In the System Preferences window, click on “Network.”

3. Select your active network connection (usually Wi-Fi or Ethernet) on the left sidebar.

4. Click the “Advanced” button in the lower-right corner of the window.

5. Go to the “DNS” tab.

6. In the DNS Servers list, remove any entries by selecting them and clicking the minus (-) button.

7. Click “OK” to close the Advanced settings.

8. Click “Apply” to save the changes.

Conclusion:

Clearing the DNS cache on MacOS Ventura is a straightforward process that can help resolve network issues caused by outdated DNS records. Whether you choose to use Terminal commands or the Network Preferences, the result is a refreshed DNS cache that should improve your internet connectivity.

Remember that clearing the DNS cache is generally safe and can be beneficial, especially when troubleshooting network problems. If you encounter persistent network issues, consider trying this step as part of your troubleshooting process.