DNS flushing is the process of clearing any IP addresses or other DNS records from the DNS cache. These are replaced with new ones.
Importance
- Sometimes, it resolves error 404 in websites.
- Prevents DNS cache poisoning.
- Keeps search behaviour hidden from browsers.
- Improves network troubleshooting.
How to do
Windows
Use ipconfig /flushdns in the Command prompt
Linux
Usually, Linux doesn’t have any sort of DNS cache. If it does, use this command : sudo systemd-resolve --flush-caches.
Chrome
Chrome keeps a separate DNS cache which can be cleared by typing chrome://net-internals/#dns into the address bar and clicking on Clear host cache button.
When to flush?
- After updating a website’s IP address.
- If DNS spoofing is detecting.
- If experiencing website connectivity issues.