In a world full of technological advancements, it is easy for us to get lost in a huge list of words and terminologies. Although we know how to use most operating devices, understanding the process, actions, and reactions behind the clicks of users, customers, and website visitors is an entirely different ball game. Once we have this knowledge, we can act and respond better.
A DNS server is used to resolve a specific domain to its IP equivalent. However, this process takes a lot of time as a massive sequential process goes on. Once the website request is delivered, the client must ask the resolver, which asks the root server, which asks the TLD (top-level domain) server for information. Every additional check adds to the time the visitor must wait to get a response.
Fortunately, there is a mechanism to minimize the frequency at which the visitor’s OS or browser must request a complete DNS lookup. In this article, we will further explain why you need to flush DNS caches.
What is DNS Cache?
DNS cache is temporary storage for information regarding an operating system's previous look-ins. Keeping a local copy of a DNS lookup will allow your browser to retrieve it quickly. As a result, your website’s URL will be resolved to its corresponding IP address quickly. The basic functionality of all the cache types is almost the same.
DNS caching doesn’t just happen on the browser or OS level. As we have explained above, a DNS lookup involves several steps. During the new DNS lookup, the lookup moves past the resolver, root server, and eventually the TLD server. During all of these steps, information is cached and stored for future purposes. Even if the local DNS cache is empty, the resolver will respond by having a cached copy of the needed information. It will help you avoid going through the entire process of the DNS lookup in case you need to do it again.
How to Check Your DNS Cache?
You must check out your operating system’s logs to see which of the DNS records are cached locally. This process may change according to the operating system that you use. We have provided an outline for both Mac and Windows below:
- Windows
If you have Windows as your operating system, the process of checking your DNS cache is very simple. You can open the command prompt and type the command as follows: “ipconfig /displaydns”.
- Mac
The process of checking out your DNS cache on Mac is a little different from on Windows. You have to open the Console App, click your device on the left sidebar, and type “any:mdnsresponder” on the search bar.
Now, you open the command prompt and enter the command “sudo killall -INFO mDNSResponder”. You should now return to the Console app and look at the list of cached DNS records.
Moreover, you can check out your DNS cache entries on specific browsers. For example, if you are accessing Google Chrome, you can enter “chrome://net-internals/#dns” on your URL address bar. It will return you Chrome’s list of cached DNS records.
Why Flush DNS Cache?
1) Prevent DNS Spoofing
DNS spoofing, also known as DNS cache poisoning, is a malicious activity when a bad actor gains the access to your DNS cache. These actors alter the information and redirect you to the wrong sites. There are some cases in which these actors bring you to a fraudulent website. Their basic intention is to ensure you enter information on fraudulent websites, such as online banking details or login information.
2) “404 Error” Message
If you have been surfing the Internet on your browsers regularly, you may be familiar with the message “404! Error not found” on your computer screen. It appears when you click on a broken link.
For example, let’s say that you have cached your DNS information of a website that has moved to a new domain name or host. In this situation, the DNS information on your operating system may not get updated immediately. As a result, you are going to see the message of 404 error coming on your computer screen. Apart from that, you may even see an outdated version of the website you are trying to visit.
Although the information will eventually get updated on your DNS cache, there is no need to wait. You have the authority to clear your DNS cache at any time.
3) Trouble Accessing the Website
There are cases in which the users have loading issues regarding a website. If you are experiencing these problems, you shouldn’t prioritize the DNS cache instantly. First, you should clear your browser’s temporary files and cookies. You must modify your browser settings to turn off all the potential pop-up blockers and enable the website to receive and save cookies. If your options are exhausted, you can flush the DNS cache to reset your computer’s connection to the Internet.
4) Keep Search Behavior Private
When you track user behavior on the Internet, you may think about cookies. However, the good news is that the DNS cache may also reveal your search history. DNS cache is designed to act like a virtual book, storing information about the sites that you check out regularly. To keep this data away from malicious users or bad actors, it is crucial to flush your DNS cache regularly.
How to Flush DNS Cache?
Like all of the previously mentioned actions, the function of flushing your DNS cache will vary according to your operating system. We have gathered the latest OS versions of both Mac and Windows and outlined the instructions to carry out your DNS cache:
- Windows
Open your command prompt and click on Run when you are on your Window’s start menu. You can enter the command “ipconfig /flushdns” in the command prompt. If the command is successful, you will get the message on your computer screen "Successfully flushed the DNS Resolver Cache."
- Mac
Open the command line interface or Terminal and type the command “sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder”. As the administrator, you may need to enter your password. If the command is successful, the system will not return any object.
What Happens When You Flush DNS Cache?
By flushing the DNS cache, you will clear any DNS records from your cache. It will help improve your website security, internet connection, and other issues.
Your DNS cache must get cleared regularly without your interference. This is because the DNS cache doesn’t just protect all the information in identifying your website. It also saves a component called TTL (time to live). This is a set of times when the DNS record for a particular website remains valid. Within this time frame, any potential queries to the website are answered by the local cache without the requirement of the DNS server. Once the TTL reaches its expiry, the entry will be removed from the cache.
Manage DNS Records on Your Strikingly Website
Strikingly is a website builder that always comes to your assistance in checking your DNS cache. If you haven’t bought a domain yet on Strikingly, you can register yourself today and buy your custom domain. To check your DNS records, we have shared a guide for you below:
Image taken from Strikingly
- Visit the Strikingly dashboard.
- Click the tab “Domain”, which will lead you to the following elements:
- Domain Status
- Domain Contact Information and Registration Details
- Domain Renewal Details
- DNS Manager
Image taken from Strikingly
- You must check your domain status. There are numerous statuses of a specific domain. It can be live, meaning your domain has an active status. It can be waiting, which means your domain is on the verge of completion. It can also be unverified, meaning you haven’t verified your contact details. Before proceeding, you must update your DNS cache. You must clear your DNS cache before looking at the status of your domain.
Image taken from Strikingly
- Talking about the contact information, you have to keep note of that alongside the registration details. If you want to change your contact details, you can email us your new details. . Once you have made the changes, your domain will be locked for 60 days.
Image taken from Strikingly
- You can manage the renewal status of your domain by going to the DNS manager.
- Click on “Settings” before clicking on “Open DNS Manager”. You can add seven different types of DNS records:
- CNAME
- SRV
- TXT
- MX
- SPF
- NS
Image taken from Strikingly
Conclusion
DNS cache is an effective way of avoiding the entire DNS lookup every time you visit a website. This process must only occur the first time you enter a professional website. Upon subsequent requests, your machine will use the browser or the OS’s cached information until it is flushed. If you want to clear your DNS cache for any of the reasons mentioned in this article, follow the instructions related to your machine.
DNS Cache can be a very technical subject. If you’re confused, contact our Happiness Officers and they’ll help you the best way they can.
