Have you ever tried opening a website in Chrome on your phone, only to get a message like “This site can’t be reached,” “ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED,” or “DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN”?
The frustrating part is that your internet connection may appear to be working normally. Other apps open, Google searches work, and Wi-Fi shows as connected—but one particular website refuses to load.
In some cases, outdated DNS information or cached website data can contribute to the problem.
If you’re searching for how to clear DNS cache in Chrome on Android and iPhone, there’s one important thing to understand first: Chrome mobile does not provide the same direct DNS-cache controls that you may find in desktop troubleshooting guides. Instead, you can clear Chrome’s cached browsing data and refresh your device’s network connection.
This guide explains what actually works, what doesn’t, and what you should try before changing advanced network settings.
Quick answer: On Android and iPhone, start by clearing Chrome’s cached images and files, then restart Chrome and your network connection. If the DNS problem continues, troubleshoot your Wi-Fi, mobile network, DNS settings, or router rather than repeatedly clearing Chrome’s browser cache.
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What Is DNS Cache?
DNS stands for Domain Name System. Think of it as the internet’s address book.
When you type a website address such as example.com into Chrome, your device needs to find the IP address associated with that domain. DNS helps perform that translation.
For example:
Website name → DNS lookup → IP address → Website loads
To avoid performing the same lookup every time, devices and networks can temporarily remember DNS information. This is commonly referred to as DNS caching.
Caching normally makes browsing faster. However, if a domain’s DNS information changes, an old record can sometimes contribute to connection problems.
That’s why refreshing your network connection can help when a website has recently changed servers, hosting providers, or DNS records.
DNS Cache vs Chrome Cache: They Are Not the Same
This is the most important point in this guide.
Chrome cache stores website resources such as images and other page files so that pages can load faster the next time you visit them.
DNS cache stores information related to resolving domain names to IP addresses.
They perform different jobs.
Google’s Chrome documentation confirms that the browser’s cached images and files are separate browsing data that can be deleted through Chrome’s “Delete browsing data” feature.
So, when you clear Chrome’s cache, you should not assume that you have flushed every DNS record stored by your phone, router, carrier, or network.
That distinction makes troubleshooting much easier.
How to Clear DNS Cache in Chrome on Android?
There isn’t a dedicated “Clear DNS Cache” button in the regular Chrome settings on Android. However, you can start with the following practical steps.
Method 1: Clear Chrome’s Cached Files
If you’re experiencing a website loading or formatting problem, clearing cached files is a good first step.
Steps:
- Open Chrome on your Android phone.
- Tap the three-dot menu.
- Select Delete browsing data.
- Choose your preferred Time range.
- Select Cached images and files.
- Make sure you don’t select data you don’t want to remove.
- Tap Delete data.
- Close Chrome and open it again.
- Try loading the website.
Google’s current Chrome instructions allow Android users to choose the types of browsing data they want to delete rather than removing everything.
Do you need to clear everything?
No.
If you’re troubleshooting a website-loading problem, you can start with Cached images and files.
There’s usually no reason to delete saved passwords, autofill information, or your entire browsing history just to troubleshoot a DNS-related problem.
Be especially careful with cookies and site data because deleting them can affect website sessions and saved preferences.
Method 2: Restart Chrome
After clearing cached files, completely close Chrome and reopen it.
Then visit the problematic website again.
This is a simple step, but it helps establish a fresh browser session instead of continuing with an existing connection.
Method 3: Toggle Airplane Mode
If the website still doesn’t load, refresh your phone’s network connection.
- Open Quick Settings.
- Turn Airplane Mode on.
- Wait around 10–15 seconds.
- Turn Airplane Mode off.
- Reconnect to Wi-Fi or mobile data.
- Open Chrome.
- Test the website again.
This doesn’t specifically erase Chrome’s browser cache. Instead, it refreshes the phone’s network connection, which can be useful when the problem is related to connectivity or DNS resolution.
Method 4: Restart Your Android Phone
If you’re still seeing a DNS error, restart the phone.
It may sound too simple, but restarting can refresh network-related services and connections.
After the restart:
Open Chrome → visit the website → check whether the error is gone.
If the website loads normally, you probably don’t need to make any advanced DNS changes.
How to Clear DNS Cache in Chrome on iPhone?
The situation is similar on iPhone.
Chrome for iOS provides options for deleting browsing data, but there isn’t a normal Chrome setting that lets you directly flush the phone’s complete DNS cache.
So, use a combination of Chrome cleanup and network troubleshooting.
Method 1: Clear Chrome’s Cached Data
Follow these steps:
- Open Chrome on your iPhone.
- Tap the three-dot menu.
- Select Delete Browsing Data.
- Choose a Time Range.
- Select the browsing data you want to remove.
- Select Cached Images and Files if available.
- Tap Delete Browsing Data.
- Reopen Chrome.
- Test the website.
Google’s current Chrome help documentation provides the option to choose specific browsing data categories on iPhone and iPad.
This is preferable to deleting everything when you’re only troubleshooting one website.
Method 2: Restart Chrome
Close Chrome completely and reopen it.
Then try the website again.
If the problem was caused by temporary browser data or a stale browser session, this may be enough to fix it.
Method 3: Turn Airplane Mode On and Off
You can also refresh the iPhone’s network connection.
- Open Control Center.
- Turn on Airplane Mode.
- Wait approximately 10–15 seconds.
- Turn Airplane Mode off.
- Reconnect to Wi-Fi or mobile data.
- Open Chrome.
- Try the website again.
Method 4: Restart Your iPhone
If nothing has changed, restart your iPhone.
Once the phone starts again, reconnect to your network and test Chrome.
This is particularly useful when the problem affects more than one website.
What If Clearing Chrome’s Cache Doesn’t Fix the DNS Error?
This is where many troubleshooting guides go wrong.
If you clear Chrome’s cached files several times and the same DNS error keeps appearing, stop clearing the browser cache repeatedly.
The problem may be somewhere else.
Try the following checks.
1. Test Another Website
Open a few different websites in Chrome.
If all websites fail, your internet connection or DNS configuration may be the problem.
If only one website fails, the problem could be related to that website’s DNS configuration, server, domain, or network path.
2. Switch From Wi-Fi to Mobile Data
This is one of the most useful tests.
Suppose a website doesn’t work while you’re connected to Wi-Fi.
Turn Wi-Fi off and try the same website using mobile data.
If it works on mobile data:
Your Wi-Fi network, router, or DNS configuration may be involved.
If it doesn’t work on either connection:
The problem may be related to the website itself, your device, Chrome, or another network configuration.
This simple test can save you a lot of unnecessary troubleshooting.
3. Restart Your Wi-Fi Router
If the problem occurs only on Wi-Fi, restart your router.
Turn it off, wait briefly, turn it back on, and allow the connection to stabilize.
Then reconnect your phone and test Chrome again.
A router can be involved in DNS resolution because it may provide or forward DNS information for connected devices.
4. Check Whether the Website Is Down
Before changing advanced settings, make sure the website itself isn’t experiencing an outage.
Try:
- Opening another website.
- Opening the same website on another device.
- Switching from Wi-Fi to mobile data.
- Asking someone on another network to test the website.
If the website fails everywhere, clearing your phone’s DNS or Chrome cache probably won’t solve the underlying problem.
Also Read:- Lost a video? How To Find It Using Reverse Video Search
How to Change DNS on Android:
If DNS problems happen regularly, you may want to look at your Android device’s DNS configuration.
On supported Android versions, DNS-related settings can be available through the Private DNS option.
The exact location and wording can vary depending on your Android version and phone manufacturer.
You may find it under a path similar to:
Settings → Network & Internet → Private DNS
However, don’t change this setting simply because one website isn’t loading.
If your internet connection is working normally, changing DNS providers may introduce another variable into the troubleshooting process.
For most users, it’s better to first:
- Test another website.
- Switch networks.
- Restart the connection.
- Restart the phone.
- Check whether the website is actually online.
Should You Clear DNS Cache Regularly?
No.
The DNS cache isn’t something you normally need to clear every week or month.
DNS caching exists for a reason: it helps reduce repeated lookups and can make connections more efficient.
You should consider refreshing DNS or network information when you have a specific problem, such as:
- A website suddenly stops loading.
- You recently changed DNS records.
- A website moved to a new server.
- You see a DNS-related Chrome error.
- A website works on mobile data but not Wi-Fi.
- A domain works on another device but not your phone.
- You recently changed your network or DNS provider.
Routine cache clearing isn’t necessary for normal browsing.
Common Chrome DNS Errors and What They Mean
Chrome can display several errors when it can’t properly resolve or connect to a website.
ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED
Chrome couldn’t resolve the website’s domain name.
Possible causes include DNS problems, network issues, incorrect DNS records, or a problem with the domain.
DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN
This generally indicates that the DNS lookup couldn’t find the requested domain.
However, it doesn’t automatically mean your Chrome cache is the cause.
DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_BAD_CONFIG
This can indicate a DNS configuration or network problem.
“This site can’t be reached”
This is a broader connection error and can have multiple causes, including DNS, network, server, or browser issues.
The important thing is not to assume that every DNS error requires clearing Chrome’s cache.
Chrome Cache vs DNS Cache: Quick Comparison
| Feature | Chrome Cache | DNS Cache |
| Main purpose | Stores website resources | Stores DNS resolution information |
| Helps with | Faster page loading | Faster domain resolution |
| Managed by | Browser | Device/network/software layers |
| Can Chrome mobile clear it? | Yes | No dedicated universal button |
| Common troubleshooting step | Clear cached files | Refresh network/DNS |
| Should you clear it regularly? | No | No |
What Should You Avoid Doing?
When troubleshooting a DNS problem on your phone, avoid making several changes at once.
For example, don’t immediately
- Change your DNS provider.
- Reset all network settings.
- Delete all Chrome data.
- Install random “DNS cleaner” apps.
- Change multiple network configurations simultaneously.
If you change five things at once, you won’t know which change actually solved the problem.
Instead, work from simple to advanced.
Recommended order:
Clear Chrome cached files → Restart Chrome → Refresh network → Switch network → Restart phone/router → Check DNS settings
This approach is easier and safer for most users.
Final Thoughts
Knowing how to clear DNS cache in Chrome on Android and iPhone is useful when you’re dealing with unexplained website-loading problems, but it’s important to understand what you’re actually clearing.
On mobile, Chrome doesn’t offer a universal “Clear DNS Cache” button. Instead, start with the practical troubleshooting steps: clear Chrome’s cached files, restart Chrome, refresh your network connection, and test the website using another network.
If the problem continues, look beyond Chrome. Your router, DNS provider, mobile carrier, device network settings, or the website itself could be responsible.
The best approach is simple: don’t change advanced settings until you’ve ruled out the basic causes. That saves time and reduces the chance of creating a new network problem while trying to fix the original one.
Frequently Asked Questions
Chrome on Android doesn’t provide a standard button specifically labeled “Flush DNS Cache.” You can clear Chrome’s cached browsing data and refresh your network connection, but these actions aren’t identical to clearing every DNS cache on the device or network.
There isn’t a dedicated DNS-cache clearing option in Chrome for iPhone. You can delete Chrome’s cached browsing data and refresh your network connection instead. Google provides official instructions for deleting browsing data on iPhone and iPad.
It might help in some situations, but it isn’t guaranteed. NXDOMAIN is related to DNS resolution, so the cause could be your network, DNS provider, router, or the website’s DNS configuration.
Not if you only select cached files. However, Chrome allows you to delete several categories of browsing data, including saved passwords and cookies, so check the selected options before confirming.
Refreshing DNS or restarting your network is generally a normal troubleshooting step. However, changing advanced DNS settings should be done carefully, especially if you don’t know what the existing configuration does.
If another device on the same network can access the website, the problem may be specific to your phone, Chrome, or its network configuration.
If every device on the same Wi-Fi network has the same problem, investigate the router, DNS configuration, or the website itself.