When accessing websites, your computer stores a cache of DNS settings to reduce loading times on future visits. However, if you change your IP address (for instance, by switching hosts or moving to a dedicated IP), your computer may continue referencing the outdated DNS information, leading to issues with website access. To resolve this and expedite the process, you can follow the steps outlined below for your operating system.
For macOS:
Use the following commands in the Terminal to flush the DNS cache:
sudo discoveryutil mdnsflushcache
sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder
sudo dscacheutil -flushcache
For Windows 7:
- Click the Start button and navigate to the Command Prompt (Start > All Programs > Accessories > Command Prompt).
- In the Command Prompt window, type the following command:
ipconfig /flushdns
For Windows 8 and Windows 10:
- Type cmd in the Windows search bar.
- In the Command Prompt window, type the following command:
ipconfig /flushdns
Additional Considerations:
- Note that flushing the DNS cache may not resolve the issue immediately, as some ISPs (Internet Service Providers) can take time to recognize new IP addresses. In some cases, it may take up to 24-48 hours for changes to propagate, depending on the provider. For example, some users have reported delays of 24 hours with certain ISPs like Charter.
Other Troubleshooting Tips:
- Try accessing the website both with and without the “www.” prefix.
- Test the website using a different browser.
- Reboot your computer.
- Power off your computer, unplug it for a few minutes, and then restart it.
In most cases, DNS updates will take effect within 30 minutes, but in rare situations, full propagation can take up to 48 hours.
