The browser is the entry point to the Internet for the vast majority of mobile phone users. Chrome has quickly become the preferred web browser as mobile phone internet use surpasses desktop computers. However, Chrome has many less well-known features but is incredibly useful if you dig beneath the surface of search bars and tabs. Average users must know that chrome//net-internals/#dns can access and clear the DNS cache. Discover why this feature is so important and how to use it.
What is DNS?
There are many parallels between a phone book and DNS. When users type in a website’s address, their browser automatically converts it to its numeric IP address, but DNS reverses the translation. Visits to websites update a device’s DNS cache by looking up the domain name.
Why does Chrome cache DNS?
The browser’s performance can be improved by caching the results of DNS lookups. By saving their IP addresses locally, the browser can save time by not having to perform a new DNS lookup when accessing frequently used websites. Because of this, web pages load more quickly, making web navigation more convenient.
Why Clear the DNS Cache on Mobile?
There are several reasons:
Confidentiality: Your DNS cache may reveal your browsing history. By removing it, you can increase your level of anonymity.
Fixing: Cache DNS data can become corrupted or out-of-date, blocking website access. Such problems are often fixed by clearing the cache.
Managing Bandwidth: Cache data requires a small amount of space. A small amount of RAM may be released once it is cleared.
To purge the DNS cache in Chrome, go to chrome//net-internals/#dns. Let us move on to the concrete procedures:
Open Chrome: Launch your Chrome browser on your mobile device.
Access the URL: Type chrome //net-internals /#dns in the address bar and hit enter. This will take you to Chrome’s internal DNS page.
Clear Host Cache: Once on the DNS page, you’ll see a button labeled “Clear host cache.” Tap on it. This action will clear the DNS cache in your Chrome browser.
Limitations and Notes
Scope: Remember, clearing the DNS cache in Chrome only affects the Chrome browser. This will not affect the caches of other apps or browsers on your mobile device. Keep them on their own.
Temporary Fix: Chrome will continue to cache future DNS lookups even if you clear the DNS cache. The cache will once again become full as you continue browsing.
Alternate Methods: While chrome //net-internals /#dns is a direct method, third-party apps, and tools are designed to clear the DNS cache across the device or offer more extensive cleanup options.
Conclusion
Like any complex software, the Chrome browser has many hidden features just waiting to be discovered. Chrome’s versatility and depth are displayed in features like clearing the DNS cache. This function is helpful for various reasons, including privacy, troubleshooting, and general browser comprehension. The next time a website is frustratingly slow to load, or you want to start over, keep this little-known Chrome feature in mind.