back to top

How to clear DNS cache on Android device: 4 Ways explained!

Quick Answers

  • Clearing the DNS cache is essential for a smoother browsing experience on your Android phone.
  • The simplest method involves using net internals within Google Chrome.
  • To further combat connectivity issues on Android, you can clear Chrome’s cache, change your DNS server, or (for rooted devices) use Termux.

Frustrated by slow internet on your Android phone? Your DNS cache might be the culprit. For the uninitiated, a DNS cache refers to the storage of information about every website you have visited. Cached storage enhances browsing by eliminating the need for your device to fetch information on revisited websites.

However, the DNS cache can cause connectivity issues if it is corrupted or becomes outdated. So, clearing DNS cache becomes a necessity. Below, I have mentioned some effective ways to clear the DNS cache on Android.

1. Clear DNS Cache from Google Chrome on Android

The easiest way to flush the DNS cache on Android is to remove it using net internals. It is a hidden tool that stores data logs of the websites you have visited.

You can visit the Net-internals tool on Google Chrome on Android using a command.

  1. Open Google Chrome on your Android smartphone.
  2. Visit chrome://net-internals/#dns
  3. On this page, tap Clear host cache to clear the DNS cache on your Android smartphone.

    Open chrome and enter the code to clear DNS cache and tap Clear host cache

2. Remove Cache from Google Chrome Settings

To resolve connectivity issues and get rid of DNS cache, a more direct method is to clear Google Chrome’s app cache altogether.

However, you can delete other apps cache data if necessary. All you need to do is select the app you want and follow the same steps.

If clearing the DNS cache using the Chome net internals command does not work for you, you can try this method.

  1. On your Android phone, tap and hold the Google Chrome app → tap App info.
    This will take you to Chrome’s settings.
  2. Select Storage & cache → Choose Clear cache.

    Go to chrome's App info select storage and cache and tap clear cache

Remember, this will remove Google Chrome’s cache but not delete your browser history or your saved bookmarks.

The above methods specifically guide you on clearing the DNS cache in the Chrome browser. However, it’s worth noting that the process varies for each app when it comes to clearing the browser cache.

Below, I’ll walk you through how to clear the entire cache on your Android phone.

3. Use Phone Settings to change DNS Server

Most users use the default DNS server provided by their ISPs. However, on Android, you can change the DNS server. This will help resolve any connectivity issue that you are facing. So for that:

  1. Open the Settings app → Tap Network & internet.
  2. Select Private DNS → Select Private DNS provider hostname.
  3. Here, you can enter any private DNS server. For a smoother experience, you can try Google’s public DNS server. 
  4. Tap the textbox and enter dns.google to set your phone’s DNS server to Google’s public DNS server.

    Go to network and internet, select Private DNS and tap private DNS provider hostname and tap save
    • Alternatively, you can also change the DNS server to Cloudflare’s DNS server. For it, enter the following in the textbox 1.1.1.1.cloudflare-dns.com
  5. Finally, tap Save to confirm your choice.

4. Clear DNS Cache on Android using Termux app (for Rooted Android phones)

If you are using a Rooted Android device, you can clear the system-wide DNS cache using a simple command.

  1. Install Termux and grant root access when prompted.
  2. Next, run the following command in Termux to clear DNS cache on Android.
    su
    ndc resolver clearnetdns wlan0/rmnet0

Video: Clear DNS cache on your Android devices

Flush DNS Cache on Android for connectivity issues!

The stored DNS cache can cause connectivity issues on Android devices. While modern-day Android devices clear DNS cache automatically, there could be instances where the DNS cache could get corrupted, and then it becomes important to flush the DNS cache.

If you are facing a 404 error while visiting a website, clearing the DNS cache is the most effective solution. You can easily clear cache on Android using the methods mentioned above.

Read more:

Author

  • Suraj Padmasali

    A tech blogger with over 10 years of experience, Suraj brings a wealth of knowledge and insights. He's learned effective content strategies and stays abreast of the ever-evolving tech world. Armed with a profound understanding of both writing and SEO, Suraj stands as a formidable force in the realm of technology content creation. As a proud owner of a Royal Enfield, he finds inspiration on the open road, embodying the same spirit that fuels his exploration of the future of tech.

Readers like you help support iGeekified. When you make a purchase using links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Read Disclaimer.

Related Articles

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here