The DNS cache on the Chrome browser stores the IP addresses of websites visited. It’s designed to reduce lookup times for recurring visits to these websites. However, it can cause errors if outdated or corrupt, necessitating a cache flush.
To clear the DNS cache from Chrome on a computer or Android, navigate to “chrome://net-internals/#dns” and select the “Clear host cache” command. In the case of Chrome for iPhone, you need to use Airplane Mode, Reboot the device, or Reset Network Settings.
In this guide, we have shared the steps to clear the network DNS cache in the Chrome app.
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Flush the DNS Cache in Chrome on the Computer
Every website you visit in your Chrome browser has a record of the domain name and corresponding IP address stored in the DNS cache. If the IP changes, your browser might not load the site. Hence, flushing the DNS cache will resolve the connectivity issue. Here are the steps to follow:
- Launch the Chrome browser on your computer.
- Type chrome://net-internals/#dns in the address bar.
It will open the DNS lookup page within Chrome. - Click the button for the Host resolver cache option.
After clearing the host cache, you can visit the URL to see if it resolves to the correct IP address and open the website without issue.
Clear the DNS Host Cache in Chrome on Android
Like a computer browser, Chrome for Android uses built-in DNS instead of relying on the Android system DNS. Hence, clearing the Android DNS cache will not affect Chrome for Android.
You should clear the Chrome DNS host cache to resolve the issues. Here are the steps to flush the Chrome DNS cache on Android:
- Launch the Chrome app on your Android Phone.
- Type chrome://net-internals/#dns in the address bar.
- Click the button in the right pane for the Host resolver cache option.
You can look up the domain name (browserhow.com) in the Domain field to verify the IP address before and after clearing the host cache. If the site with the issue has changed its resolving IP address, the lookup results will display the same.
Reset the DNS Cache in Chrome on iPhone
Unfortunately, the Chrome browser for iPhone or iPad does not have DNS cache storage the browser. If you visit the chrome://net-internals/#dns in the address bar, it will result in an INVALID_URL error.
The iPhone or iPad does not have any option to flush the DNS cache, even on the Network Settings page. The easy way to clear the DNS cache on iPhone or iPad is using the Airplane mode.
Method 1: Reset Network using Airplane Mode
When you Turn On, and Off the Airplane mode, the iOS or iPadOS automatically reset the network settings along with the stored DNS cache. Here are the steps to follow:
- Slide down to open the Control Center on your device.
- Tap on the Airplane mode button to Turn On.
- Wait for a few seconds and then Turn Off the Airplane mode.
Alternatively, you can also Reboot the iPhone or iPad device for the network and DNS cache flush.
Method 2: Reset Network Settings
A more complex way to clear the DNS cache is by using the Reset Network settings option under the Settings app > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset.
The Reset Network Settings option is not recommended unless you have a major network-related issue. The Airplane mode resets the DNS cache on Chrome for iPhone or iPad instead.
Bottom Line
The Chrome browser has a dedicated DNS host storage independent of your system DNS. If there are any site loading or network connectivity issues within the Chrome browser, then you can visit the chrome://net-internals/#dns in the address bar and hit on the Clear host cache option.
DNS caching feature is available in computer and Android browsers. You need to rely on the Airplane mode or network settings page for iPhone or iPad.
Similarly, you can also clear the DNS resolver cache from Apple Safari and flush the Edge browser.
If the network or loading issue isn’t resolved, then you can also consider clearing the Chrome browser cache and cookies. It will ensure the obsolete files are not obstructing the browser function.
Lastly, if you've any thoughts or feedback, then feel free to drop in below comment box. You can also report the outdated information.
