Empty or Clear the DNS Cache and the Cache in Firefox, Chrome, Safari, Internet Explorer

This article explains how to empty or clear the cache with various browsers. It also explains how to clear the DNS cache of your computer.

Be sure to take the following precautions before purging the cache:
1- close all tabs in the various browsers connected to the site or domain name;
2- close any software likely to establish connections to the domain or its services: e-mail software, FTP software, SSH software, etc.

Note: The PlanetHoster Glossary contains explanations on multiple topics and can be consulted to clarify certain terms.

Firefox

1. Go to Firefox and click on the hamburger button:

2. Go to History -> Clear recent history…
3. Choose the Time range to clear:

4. Select all items you want to delete, namely: Browsing & download history, Cookies, Active logins, Cache and Form & search history.
5. Click on the Clear Now button.

Chrome

1. Go to Chrome and click on the Customize and control Google Chrome icon:

2. Click on History -> History.
3. Click on Clear drowsing data:

4. Click on the Advanced tab:

5. Choose the Time range in the pick list.
6. Select the items you want to delete, namely: Browsing history, Download history, Cookies and other site data and Cached images and files.
7. Click on the Clear data button.

Safari (mac)

1. Open Safari and go to Safari -> Settings…

2. Click on the Advanced button and check the Show Develop menu in menu bar box:

3. Finally, from the Develop menu, select Empty Caches:

Edge (Microsoft)

To specify you want to delete only the data on the device you are currently using:

1. Go to Microsoft Edge and select Settings and more:

2. Go to Settings -> Profiles -> Sync and select Turn off sync.

Then, you can clear your browsing data in Microsoft Edge:

1. Select Settings and more -> Settings  -> Privacy, search, and services:

2. Under Clear browsing data > Clear browsing data now, click on the button Choose what to clear:

3. Under Time range, choose a time range from the drop-down menu:

4. Choose Browsing history, Download history, Cookies and other site data and Cached images and files.
5. Click on the Clear now button.

How to Clear the DNS Cache

It is possible that you have to restart your modem/box also for the whole thing to be effective.

For Windows

From the console (CMD), type:

ipconfig /flushdns

For Mac

Using the terminal, type:

  sudo dscacheutil -flushcache

For Linux

To clear the local DNS cache for the current user, use the terminal to type:

  nscd -i hosts

To clear the local DNS cache for all users:

  nscd -I hosts

For some Ubunto or Debian-based distributions:

sudo service dns-clean restart