How to Clear DNS Cache in Chrome with Ease using Chrome Net Internals DNS

Introduction

DNS (Domain Name System) enables the internet to function efficiently and fast by translating site names to IP addresses. Occasionally, DNS errors and stale cache will make browsing slow. The Chrome browser provides you with access to a very useful in-built facility named Chrome Net Internals DNS at
chrome://net-internals/#dns. It can be utilized to fix DNS issues.

This tutorial will take you through step by step on how to do it in order to flush your DNS cache, which will speed up your web surfing. This is especially relevant in our times where a single DNS failure will lead to other problems in your network or even a data-breach.

What is Chrome Net Internals DNS?

In brief terms, Chrome Net Internals DNS is a built-in diagnostic page that serves to show, adjust, and clear DNS-related data. This includes stale domain resolutions and IP addresses, which are cached and cause unnecessary errors or security breaches. This is where you must clear the cache.

The extension only works on Chrome but can be used on any interface/Chromium-based browser such as Microsoft Edge and Opera.

How to use: Simply type chrome://net-internals/#dns in the address bar of your browser and press Enter.

Key Features of Chrome Net Internals DNS

Here are some of the most valuable resources available:

DNS Lookup

You can look at the IP address of any webpage because you are looking at the IP address of any webpage. You can use this to debug connectivity problems or to debug the stale site DNS problem.

DNS Resolver Cache

You can view all the entries in the cache and how long they will remain valid. You can choose whether the cache should be updated.

DNS Prefetching

It gives web browsing performance enhancement by prefetching DNS entries on web pages that an end user browses. DNS prefetch asserts that some additional DNS queries will be generated because of prefetching that can redirect the faster network and slow down their network. Prefetching can expose the end user's DNS on the local network in worst-case scenarios if not properly configured and can offer some kind of data-breach danger.

Sockets

See all the sockets in the network, and proxy resolver rules. Useful to see what connections are being established and what server response is being recorded.

How to Clear DNS Cache on Chrome (Windows)

To flush it, follow these steps:

Open Chrome.
In the browser URL bar, type:
chrome://net-internals/#dns
Click "Clear host cache."
Now go to chrome://net-internals/#sockets and click "Flush socket pools."
Then launch Chrome.

This helps clear outdated or corrupt DNS information that could slow down sites or even create small data-breach vulnerabilities on local systems.

To Delete DNS Cache on Mobile (Android & iOS)

You can also flush DNS on mobile by using the Chrome browser:

Open Chrome.
Press the three-dot menu and choose "History."
Select "Clear browsing data."
Choose "All time."
Ensure that "Cookies and site data" and "Cached images and files." are selected.
Tap "Clear data."

This clears incorrect or stale DNS info, improving browsing and reducing the risk of DNS-based errors or breaches.

The Importance of DNS Cache Flushing

Flushing DNS cache helps with the following:

Improved browsing
Avoiding errors in loading pages
Preventing the use of outdated or incorrect domains
Reducing the risk of DNS-related data-breach

What to Do if `chrome://net-internals/#dns` is Not Accessible

Use the following alternatives:

Windows Command Prompt

Open Command Prompt in Admin mode
Type:

Terminal on macOS

Open Terminal
Type:

For Linux

Open Terminal
Type:

Reset DNS Client Services (Windows)

Press Windows + R > type services.msc
Navigate to "DNS Client"
Right-click > Restart

Reset Chrome Flags

Go to chrome://flags
Click "Reset all to default."
Restart Chrome

This can fix problems caused by experimental DNS features and prevent performance drops.

Best Practices for DNS on Chrome

Clear your DNS cache on a regular basis
Flush your socket pools after DNS changes
Keep your operating system updated
Use fast, secure DNS options like Google DNS (8.8.8.8) or Cloudflare (1.1.1.1) to improve speed and reduce breach potential

Conclusion

Chrome Net Internals DNS is a highly helpful but lesser-known utility for modifying DNS settings, flushing DNS, and correcting all types of browsing issues. If you are experiencing slow speed, require a clarification of a warranty notice, or are trying to ward off a probable data-breach, being able to use this utility will be helpful.

DNS maintenance is simple but important in the information age.

FAQs

Q: What is the Google Chrome Net Internals DNS service?
The Chrome Net Internals DNS service is an in-built feature of Chrome that helps with the maintenance of the DNS settings, flushing cache, and debugging if there is any problem with DNS.

Q: How to clear DNS cache in Chrome?
You go to Chrome and copy this link chrome://net-internals/#dns and tap on the "Clear host cache."

Q: Is this available on mobile?
Yes. Chrome > History > Clear browsing data > Choose "All time" > Clear cookies and cache.