Ever faced the dreaded error message when your favorite website refuses to load in Chrome? It could be a DNS cache issue, but fear not! While the previous article explained the process, it lacked clarity and missed key user needs. Let’s break it down in a way that gets you back online fast, without the fluff.
What’s DNS Cache and Why Clear It?
Think of your computer as a detective, constantly looking up website addresses (URLs) to find their locations (IP addresses). This information gets stored in the DNS cache for quicker access next time. But sometimes, outdated or incorrect entries can cause connection issues. Clearing the cache is like refreshing your detective’s memory, ensuring they have the latest intel to find websites flawlessly.
Clearing the DNS Cache on Chrome Mobile:
- Open Chrome and type: chrome://net-internals/#dns in the address bar.
- On the DNS lookup page: Tap the “Clear host cache” button.
- Return to the home screen: Long press the Chrome icon and tap “App info”.
- Go to Storage & cache: Tap “Clear cache”.
Clearing the DNS Cache on Chrome Desktop:
- Open Chrome and type: chrome://net-internals/#dns in the address bar.
- Click the “Clear host cache” button.
- Restart Chrome for the changes to take effect.
Bonus Tip: For stubborn issues, try flushing the socket pools too. Follow steps 1 & 2 above, then click “Flush socket pools” and restart Chrome.
Important Notes:
- Clearing the DNS cache won’t erase your browsing history or passwords.
- If you’re using a different browser, consult its specific instructions for clearing the DNS cache.
- These steps apply to Android and iOS devices, as well as Windows and Mac computers.
Feeling Lost? Try These Alternative Solutions:
- Release and renew your IP address: Open Command Prompt (Windows) or Terminal (Mac) and run the commands “ipconfig /release” and “ipconfig /renew” (Windows) or “networksetup -setmanual IP_ADDRESS SUBNET_MASK ROUTER_ADDRESS” (Mac).
- Restart your DNS service: Press Win+R, type “services.msc”, find “DNS Client”, right-click and select “Restart”.
- Reset Chrome flags: Open Chrome, type “chrome://flags” in the address bar, click “Reset all” and restart Chrome.
- Disable your VPN: VPNs can sometimes interfere with DNS settings. Try disabling it temporarily.
Remember: Don’t hesitate to seek help if these solutions don’t work. There might be deeper network issues requiring technical assistance.
By following these simple steps and keeping these tips in mind, you’ll be clearing your Chrome DNS cache like a pro, ensuring smooth and error-free browsing anytime!
Tim M. Hill helped bring Digital-Overload from a weekly newsletter to a full-fledged news site by creating a new website and branding. He continues to assist in keeping the site responsive and well organized for the readers. As a writer to Digital-Overload, Tim mainly covers mobile news and gadgets.
