How to Flush the DNS Cache in Mac OS X

Contributor

By John Ford
eHow Contributing Writer

Article Rating: (3 Ratings)

Use Apple terminal application to flush the DNS Cache

DNS cache or Domain Name Server cache is the local file your Mac system uses to convert or resolve host names to numbered IP (internet protocol) addresses. It is possible for the cache file to become corrupt or damaged, this is especially important for web designers and system administrators performing network tasks and coding web sites.

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Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Step 1

Mac OS X Terminal Application

In a new Finder window, navigate to “Applications/Utilities/Terminal” and double click on the "Terminal" application to launch it.
Step 2

The DNS Cache Flush Command for Mac OS X 10.5

In your new window, enter the following command if you are using Mac OS X 10.5 Leopard:dscacheutil –flushcache
Step 3

The DNS Cache Flush Command for Mac OS X 10.4

If you are using Mac OS X 10.4 Tiger, enter the following command in your new window:lookupd –flushcache
Step 4

Once you have entered the above command, your DNS cache has been successfully flushed. Any issues with resolving IP addresses and host names in the DNS cache should be resolved.