DNS changes take from 30 minutes up to a few hours. During this time some visitors may still see the old website. Flushing your DNS cache helps your own computer get the new information faster.
Why does it take time?
Computers and networks save (cache) DNS answers for a while. This makes websites load faster. After a change, the old saved answer is used until it expires.
How to flush the DNS cache
Windows (11, 10, 8 and 7)
- Press Windows key + R.
- Type
cmdand press Enter. - Run this command:
ipconfig /flushdns- You should see: "Successfully flushed the DNS Resolver Cache."
macOS
- Open Terminal (Applications > Utilities).
- Run this command and enter your admin password:
sudo dscacheutil -flushcache; sudo killall -HUP mDNSRespondermacOS does not show a success message, but the cache is cleared.
Linux
The command depends on the DNS service your system uses:
# systemd-resolved
sudo systemd-resolve --flush-caches
# nscd
sudo /etc/init.d/nscd restart
# dnsmasq
sudo /etc/init.d/dnsmasq restart
# BIND
sudo rndc flushTip: Still seeing the old site? Restart your router, clear your browser cache, or try another browser or device.
Important: If your site still does not work a few hours after the change, check that the nameservers or records are correct, then open a support ticket.
Important — using Cloudflare? Your domain can stay on Cloudflare. In your mail app, connect directly to the mail servers: imap.stackmail.com and smtp.stackmail.com for StackCP and Business Email, or your server hostname for cPanel (see Email Accounts > Connect Devices in cPanel). Do not use mail.yourdomain.com while the domain is behind the Cloudflare proxy. In Cloudflare DNS, set all mail records (the MX target, mail, imap, smtp, pop3, webmail and similar) to DNS only (grey cloud). Email does not work through the proxy (orange cloud).