We know, most of the time only network administrators, web developers, and system administrators usually need to know how to flush DNS on Mac but since a lot of users are just using their Macs at home, there are some good things to flushing DNS once in a while.
Let’s start off with, what exactly is DNS?
Part 1. What is DNS?Part 2. How does the DNS affect me?Part 3. How to flush DNS on Mac?Part 4. The easiest way to flush DNS on your MacPart 5. Conclusion
Part 1. What is DNS?
Get a quick and clear definition
DNS is an actual protocol on the internet that helps translate what we know in alphabetical knowledge, which is way easier to remember and change to IP addresses that the computer knows.
So when you try to visit a website such as techycub.com the computer won’t really understand that as the computer only speaks numbers, so it needs the DNS protocol to change it into a language that it can understand.
Part 2. How does the DNS affect me?
Why do you need to care about DNS and how it affects you? Well, there are times when a site has changed its DNS settings and since it has been saved in your Mac, it could lead to confusion and could make it difficult to access the said site. Ever notice those warnings checking DNS settings and such? That could be one of the main reasons.
So now you know why you need to keep reading how to flush DNS on Mac.
Part 3. How to flush DNS on Mac?
Here is the how-to that you’ve been looking for Flushing DNS on Macs is a little different from doing it on computers and the method is also different depending on the OS that you are currently using. To be honest, it makes more sense why a techy person such as a network administrator or web developer or such is usually in charge of doing those tasks. However, perhaps this guide about how to flush DNS on Mac can help you figure things out.
How to flush the DNS cache in macOS High Sierra
1. Open the Finder and go to Applications > Utilities > Terminal.
2. Enter the following syntax at the command line:
sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder; sleep 2; echo macOS DNS Cache Reset | say
3. Press Return, enter your password, and press Return again.
4. You should now see a message saying “macOS DNS cache reset.”
5. Exit the Terminal.
How to flush the DNS cache in macOS Sierra
Refreshing the DNS cache on macOS Sierra is a little difference in syntax from refreshing the cache on High Sierra.
1. Open the Finder and go to Applications > Utilities > Terminal.
2. Enter (or copy-and-paste if it’s easier) the following syntax at the command line:
sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder; say DNS cache has been flushed
3. Press Return, enter your password, and press Return again.
4. Listen out for the audio alert to signal that the cache has been successfully cleared.
If for some reason the above syntax doesn’t work, you can use the following syntax in the Terminal instead:
sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder;sudo killall mDNSResponderHelper;sudo dscacheutil -flushcache;say MacOS DNS cache has been cleared
How to flush the DNS cache in Mac OS X El Capitan and Yosemite
Both systems can flush the DNS cache in the following ways.
1. Open the Finder and go to Applications > Utilities > Terminal.
2. Enter the following syntax at the command line:
sudo dscacheutil -flushcache;sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder; say cache flushed
3. Press Return, enter your password, and press Return again.
4. Wait for the audio alert to signal a successful flush.
5. Exit the Terminal.
For OS X Yosemite versions 10.10, 10.10.1, 10.10.2, and 10.10.3 the process is slightly different. To fully flush all DNS caches, you’ll need to clear both the Multicast DNS (MDNS) and Unicast DNS (UDNS).
Part 4. The easiest way to flush DNS on your Mac
Is it complicated to use the terminal to flush the DNS cache? It's ok! We find a way to get your DNS flushed the easier way which is using a third-party program and we strongly suggest using TechyCub Mac Cleaner to help you with your DNS and much more.
Mac Cleaner provides you with a one-stop flush DNS operation! Using Mac Cleaner, you no longer have to flush your DNS using the terminal and it’s a pretty simple process without having to type in commands or such.
How do you do it?
1. Download Mac Cleaner software and open it
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2. Click on Optimization module and you can see that there is a scan button. Click the “scan button” to scan and find DNS on your Mac.
3. Under the Optimization menu, there are 5 specific functions to solve kinds of problems. Then, select Clean DNS Cache and hit the RUN button.
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Part 5. Conclusion
So far, flush the DNS cache on the Mac, are you willing to do it manually? Or let the software help you with one click? This depends on your personal choice. But for those who don't like to use the terminal, we strongly recommend that you use Mac Cleaner, which will make your life easier.
