How to Force DNS Server to Refresh? Learn the Simple Steps!

If you’re reading this article, chances are you’re experiencing issues with your internet connection. When you’re having trouble accessing a website, it could be due to a DNS server problem. DNS stands for Domain Name System, and it is responsible for translating domain names into IP addresses that your computer can understand. When a DNS server becomes outdated, it may cause delays or even prevent you from accessing certain websites.

If you’re facing this issue, there is a simple solution that you can try. In this article, we will discuss how to force DNS server to refresh and the reasons why it’s necessary. You will learn the steps to clear DNS cache manually or refresh DNS server using Command Prompt. Additionally, we will also provide step-by-step instructions on how to refresh DNS server on Mac and Android devices.

By the end of this article, you will have a better understanding of DNS servers and how to troubleshoot common issues. Keep reading to learn how to force DNS server to refresh and get back to browsing the internet with ease.

What is DNS Refresh?

If you are new to the world of networking, it is important to understand the concept of DNS (Domain Name System). DNS is responsible for resolving domain names to IP addresses, which is essential for internet communication. Whenever you type a domain name into your web browser, DNS translates that name into an IP address so that it can find the website you are looking for.

Now, DNS refresh is the process of updating the DNS records with the latest information. When you create a new website, change your website hosting provider, or make any other changes to your DNS settings, it can take some time for the changes to propagate across the internet. This is where DNS refresh comes in.

The refresh interval is the time period after which the DNS resolver checks for any changes in the DNS records. The refresh interval varies depending on the DNS server and can range from a few minutes to a few days. If you have made changes to your DNS records and want them to be propagated as quickly as possible, you can force DNS to refresh.

There are several ways to force DNS to refresh, and we will be discussing them in this article. Whether you are using Windows, Mac, or Android, we have got you covered. Read on to learn how to force DNS server to refresh and get the latest DNS records.

Definition of DNS Refresh

DNS Refresh is the process of updating the Domain Name System (DNS) with the latest information about domain names and IP addresses. It ensures that any changes made to the DNS records propagate throughout the internet, making them visible to all users.

Record Type	Purpose	Refresh Time
A	Maps a domain name to an IP address	2 hours
AAAA	Maps a domain name to an IPv6 address	2 hours
CNAME	Maps a domain name to another domain name	2 hours
MX	Identifies the mail server for a domain	24-48 hours
TXT	Stores text-based information about a domain	2 hours
SOA	Specifies the authoritative name server for a domain	24-48 hours

It is important to note that the Refresh Time listed in the table refers to the time it takes for DNS servers to refresh their cache and check for updates. Changes made to DNS records may take longer to propagate to all users depending on various factors such as TTL (Time to Live) values and the number of DNS servers involved in the update process.

Without DNS Refresh, users might face issues like website downtime, inability to access new websites, slow loading speed, and more.

Overall, DNS Refresh is a crucial process that ensures the proper functioning of the internet and the smooth browsing experience for all users.

Reasons to Force DNS Server to Refresh

DNS records changes: When you update your website’s DNS records or change your domain name, your visitors may not be able to reach your site immediately. You will need to force DNS server refresh for the changes to take effect.

ISP DNS cache: Sometimes, your Internet Service Provider (ISP) may have outdated DNS records cached, causing your website to appear incorrectly. You can refresh the DNS server to clear the cache and allow visitors to access your site properly.

Website migration: If you recently migrated your website to a new server or hosting provider, forcing a DNS server refresh can help propagate the changes and ensure that visitors can access your site without any issues.

Network changes: Changes to your local network or internet infrastructure can cause DNS resolution issues, resulting in slow or unresponsive websites. You can force a DNS server refresh to clear the cache and ensure proper access to your website.

Security updates: In some cases, you may need to update your DNS settings to ensure that your website is secure. To ensure that these changes take effect, you can force a DNS server refresh.

Fixing Website Inaccessibility

One of the primary reasons to force a DNS server to refresh is to fix website inaccessibility. If a website’s domain name is changed, it may not be accessible to some users unless they clear their DNS cache. Refreshing the DNS server ensures that everyone can access the website using the correct domain name.

In some cases, a website may be inaccessible due to DNS propagation. DNS propagation is the process by which new DNS information spreads across the internet. During this process, some users may experience difficulty accessing a website. Forcing a DNS server refresh can help to speed up this propagation process, ensuring that everyone can access the website.

DNS errors can also cause website inaccessibility. In some cases, DNS errors can cause a website to load improperly or not load at all. By refreshing the DNS server, you can fix any errors that may be preventing you from accessing the website.

Another possible reason for website inaccessibility is DNS spoofing. DNS spoofing is a type of cyber attack in which a hacker redirects traffic to a fake website. By forcing a DNS server refresh, you can help to prevent this type of attack by ensuring that you are accessing the correct website.

Resolving DNS Cache Issues

Another reason to force DNS server to refresh is to resolve DNS cache issues. DNS cache is a temporary database maintained by your computer that contains information about the websites you visit. This helps to speed up future access to these sites, as your computer does not need to look up the IP address again. However, DNS cache issues can occur, resulting in problems with accessing websites. Some of the common issues include:

• Outdated Information: DNS cache can store outdated information about websites, which can cause access problems.
• Incomplete Information: Sometimes, DNS cache may only store partial information about a website, resulting in errors.
• Corrupted Cache: DNS cache can become corrupted, leading to access problems.
• Cache Poisoning: DNS cache poisoning can occur when an attacker corrupts the DNS cache, resulting in access problems or redirecting you to a malicious website.

If you are experiencing any of these issues, forcing the DNS server to refresh can help resolve them.

How to Manually Clear DNS Cache?

If you are experiencing issues with your DNS cache, you can manually clear it. Here’s how:

Step 1: Open the Command Prompt or Terminal

Step 2: Type the command “ipconfig /flushdns” (for Windows) or “sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder” (for Mac) and hit Enter

Step 3: Wait for the process to complete, which may take a few seconds

Step 4: Restart your browser and try accessing the website again

By following these simple steps, you can clear your DNS cache and hopefully resolve any issues you were experiencing.

Clear DNS Cache on Windows

If you’re using a Windows operating system, you can clear the DNS cache using the Command Prompt. To do this, follow these steps:

1. Open Command Prompt by typing “cmd” in the search bar and selecting “Command Prompt.”
2. Type “ipconfig /flushdns” and press enter.
3. You should see a message confirming that the DNS Resolver Cache has been cleared.

Alternatively, you can use the Windows PowerShell to clear the DNS cache. Here’s how:

1. Open PowerShell by typing “powershell” in the search bar and selecting “Windows PowerShell.”
2. Type “Clear-DnsClientCache” and press enter.
3. You should see a message confirming that the DNS cache has been cleared.

Clearing the DNS cache on Windows can help resolve connection issues and improve your browsing experience.

Using Command Prompt to Refresh DNS Server

Step 1: Open Command Prompt as administrator.

Step 2: Type the command “ipconfig /flushdns” and press enter.

Step 3: Wait for the confirmation message that the DNS cache has been cleared.

If you want to update your DNS server, type the command “ipconfig /registerdns” and press enter. This will refresh your DNS server and update it with the latest information. Using the Command Prompt is a quick and easy way to manually refresh your DNS server.

Flush DNS Cache using Command Prompt on Windows

If you’re a Windows user, you can flush your DNS cache using the Command Prompt. Here’s how you can do it:

1. Open Command Prompt: Click on the Start menu and type “Command Prompt”. Then right-click on “Command Prompt” and select “Run as administrator”.

2. Type the Command: In the Command Prompt window, type “ipconfig /flushdns” and press Enter. This will clear your DNS cache.

3. Verify the Cache is Cleared: You can verify that your DNS cache has been cleared by typing “ipconfig /displaydns” and pressing Enter. This will show you the contents of your DNS cache.

4. Close Command Prompt: Once you’ve verified that your DNS cache has been cleared, you can close the Command Prompt window.

Flushing your DNS cache using the Command Prompt is a quick and simple solution to refresh your DNS server.

How to Refresh DNS Server on Mac?

Step 1: Open the Terminal application from the Utilities folder in Applications.

Step 2: In the terminal window, type in the command “sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder” and press enter.

Step 3: You will be prompted to enter your password. Type in your password and press enter.

Step 4: The DNS cache on your Mac will be cleared, and the DNS server will be refreshed.

Note: If you have an older version of Mac OS X, you can use the command “sudo dscacheutil -flushcache” to clear the DNS cache.

Clear DNS Cache using Terminal

If you are having trouble accessing certain websites, or are experiencing slow internet speeds, clearing your DNS cache may help resolve the issue. Fortunately, clearing the DNS cache is a simple process that can be done using Terminal on your Mac computer.

The DNS cache is a database of website addresses and their corresponding IP addresses that is stored on your computer. Clearing the cache removes any outdated or incorrect entries, forcing your computer to obtain updated information from the DNS server.

To clear your DNS cache using Terminal, follow these steps:

• Step 1: Open Terminal by searching for it in Spotlight or navigating to Applications > Utilities > Terminal.
• Step 2: In the Terminal window, type the following command: sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder and press Enter. You will be prompted to enter your administrator password.
• Step 3: After entering your password, press Enter again. The Terminal window will display some output indicating that the DNS cache has been cleared.
• Step 4: Close the Terminal window and restart your web browser.
• Step 5: Test to see if the issue has been resolved by visiting the website that was previously causing problems.
• Step 6: If the issue persists, try restarting your computer and router, or contact your internet service provider for further assistance.

Clearing your DNS cache can help improve internet speed and accessibility. By following these simple steps, you can easily clear your DNS cache using Terminal on your Mac computer.

Restarting DNS Resolver Cache on Mac

Another method to clear DNS cache on a Mac is by restarting the DNS Resolver cache. This method can be helpful if you are experiencing internet connectivity issues or having trouble accessing certain websites. Restarting the DNS Resolver cache is a simple process that can be done using Terminal on your Mac computer.

The DNS Resolver cache is a service that provides caching for Domain Name System (DNS) lookups. Restarting the DNS Resolver cache clears the cache and forces your Mac to query the DNS server for updated information.

• Step 1: Open Terminal by searching for it in Spotlight or navigating to Applications > Utilities > Terminal.
• Step 2: In the Terminal window, type the following command: sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder and press Enter. You will be prompted to enter your administrator password.
• Step 3: After entering your password, press Enter again. The Terminal window will display some output indicating that the DNS Resolver cache has been cleared.
• Step 4: Close the Terminal window and restart your computer or web browser.
• Step 5: Test to see if the issue has been resolved by visiting the website that was previously causing problems.
• Step 6: If the issue persists, try resetting your router or contact your internet service provider for further assistance.

Restarting the DNS Resolver cache on your Mac can help resolve internet connectivity issues and improve website accessibility. By following these simple steps, you can easily restart the DNS Resolver cache using Terminal on your Mac computer.

Flushing DNS Cache on Mac OS X 10.10.4 Yosemite and Later Versions

If you’re running Mac OS X 10.10.4 Yosemite or a later version, flushing the DNS cache is a little different than on older versions of the operating system. But don’t worry, it’s still a straightforward process that won’t take you more than a few minutes.

To flush your DNS cache on Mac OS X 10.10.4 Yosemite or a later version, follow these steps:

• Step 1: Open the Terminal app on your Mac by searching for it in Spotlight or navigating to Applications > Utilities > Terminal.
• Step 2: In the Terminal window, type the following command: sudo dscacheutil -flushcache;sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder; then press Enter. You’ll need to enter your admin password when prompted.
• Step 3: After you enter the password, the command will execute and the DNS cache will be flushed. You should see a message that says “Cache flushed” or something similar.

That’s it! Your DNS cache has been successfully flushed on your Mac OS X 10.10.4 Yosemite or later version. This should help with any connectivity issues you were experiencing due to an outdated or corrupted cache.

It’s important to note that if you’re experiencing ongoing DNS issues, simply flushing the cache may not solve the problem. You may need to look into other solutions such as changing your DNS server or resetting your network settings. But for many common issues, flushing the DNS cache is often an effective first step.

How to Refresh DNS Server on Android?

If you’re experiencing slow internet speeds or are unable to access certain websites on your Android device, refreshing your DNS server may help. This process is also known as clearing DNS cache.

To refresh your DNS server on Android, you’ll need to access your device’s network settings. From there, you can locate the DNS settings and make changes as needed. Keep in mind that the exact steps may vary slightly depending on your Android version and device model.

One common method is to go to your device’s Settings app, then select Wi-Fi or Network & internet. Locate your current Wi-Fi network and tap the gear icon or “i” symbol next to it. Look for an option to forget the network, and confirm the action. Then, reconnect to the network and the DNS cache should be refreshed.

Clearing DNS Cache on Android

If you are experiencing issues with your Android device’s DNS resolution, you might want to try clearing the DNS cache to help resolve the issue. Clearing the DNS cache can also help improve the device’s internet speed. Here are the steps you can take to clear the DNS cache on your Android device:

Step 1: Go to the Settings app on your Android device and select Network & internet.

Step 2: Tap on Advanced and then select Private DNS.

Step 3: Tap on the Private DNS provider hostname option and then delete the text in the field.

After completing these steps, the DNS cache on your Android device will be cleared. You should now be able to browse the internet without any DNS resolution issues.

Reset Network Settings on Android

If you’re experiencing problems with your Android device’s network connectivity, you may need to reset the network settings. This can be especially useful if you’re having trouble connecting to Wi-Fi or if your mobile data isn’t working properly. Here’s how to do it:

Step 1: Open the Settings app on your Android device.

Step 2: Scroll down and tap on the “System” option.

Step 3: Tap on “Reset options” and then “Reset Wi-Fi, mobile & Bluetooth.”

Keep in mind that resetting your network settings will remove all saved Wi-Fi networks and passwords, as well as any Bluetooth connections. You will need to reconnect to Wi-Fi networks and re-pair Bluetooth devices after resetting your network settings.

Resetting network settings can also fix issues related to VPN, APN, and proxy configurations, so it can be a useful troubleshooting step if you’re experiencing any of these problems.

Note: The exact steps to reset network settings may vary depending on the version of Android you’re running and the device you’re using. If you’re unsure how to reset your network settings, consult your device’s user manual or contact the manufacturer for assistance.

Switching to Google DNS on Android

Google DNS is a free, reliable, and fast Domain Name System (DNS) service that can be used on Android devices. By default, Android devices use the DNS service provided by the Internet Service Provider (ISP). However, switching to Google DNS can help to speed up the browsing experience and improve the device’s overall performance.

To switch to Google DNS on Android, users need to follow these simple steps:

• Step 1: Go to “Settings” on the Android device.
• Step 2: Click on “Wi-Fi & Network” or “Network & Internet” depending on the Android version.
• Step 3: Select the Wi-Fi network that is currently in use.
• Step 4: Long press on the network name and select “Modify Network” or “Edit Network”.
• Step 5: Scroll down and select “Show Advanced Options”.
• Step 6: Under “IP Settings”, select “Static”.
• Step 7: Under “DNS 1” and “DNS 2”, enter the Google DNS IP addresses: 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4 respectively.
• Step 8: Click on “Save” or “OK” to apply the changes.

After making these changes, the Android device will use the Google DNS service instead of the DNS service provided by the ISP. Users should notice an improvement in the browsing experience and overall performance of the device.

Conclusion

DNS resolution is a crucial component of internet connectivity and web browsing. DNS cache plays an important role in speeding up the process of resolving domain names to IP addresses. However, sometimes it can cause problems when the cache is corrupted or outdated.

Clearing DNS cache and resetting network settings can help resolve these issues and improve internet speed and performance on your devices. Switching to Google DNS is also a great option if you are experiencing slow browsing or want to improve security and privacy while using the internet.

By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can easily troubleshoot DNS-related problems on your devices and enjoy a better internet experience. Remember to periodically clear your DNS cache to ensure optimal performance and connectivity.

Ensure Access to Websites by Refreshing DNS Servers

DNS servers are responsible for resolving domain names to IP addresses, allowing your device to access websites. If you experience issues accessing a website, it could be due to outdated or corrupted DNS information.

To ensure access to websites, it’s important to know how to refresh your DNS servers. There are several methods to do this, including clearing your DNS cache, restarting your DNS resolver cache, resetting network settings, and switching to Google DNS.

By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can quickly and easily refresh your DNS servers, resolving any issues that may be preventing you from accessing the websites you need.

Frequently Asked Questions