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Exploring Chrome’s DNS Internals: A Comprehensive Guide

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Editor
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Introduction : chrome.//net-internals/dns

In the realm of internet browsing, Domain Name System (DNS) plays a pivotal role in connecting users with websites. When you enter a URL into your browser, DNS translates that URL into an IP address, which allows your computer to locate and interact with the website’s server. For those looking to delve deeper into the inner workings of DNS and troubleshoot related issues, Chrome provides a built-in tool called net-internals that includes a DNS section. This guide offers a detailed look at Chrome’s DNS internals, how to access it, and how to use it effectively for diagnosing and resolving DNS issues.

What is DNS and Why is it Important?

DNS functions as the internet’s phonebook. It translates user-friendly domain names, like “www.example.com,” into numerical IP addresses that computers use to communicate. Without DNS, users would need to remember complex numerical addresses to access websites. DNS enhances usability by allowing users to use simple, memorable domain names.

When you type a domain name into your browser, a series of DNS queries occurs behind the scenes. Your computer first checks its local DNS cache to see if it already knows the IP address for the domain. If not, it queries external DNS servers to resolve the domain name. The resolution process can involve multiple DNS servers, including recursive resolvers and authoritative servers, before delivering the final IP address.

Accessing Chrome’s DNS Internals

Chrome offers a diagnostic tool called net-internals that provides insights into various networking aspects of the browser, including DNS. To access the DNS section in Chrome, follow these steps:

  1. Open Chrome and type chrome://net-internals/#dns into the address bar.
  2. Press Enter to navigate to the DNS section of the net-internals tool.

This page provides a range of options and information related to DNS queries and caching within Chrome. It is an invaluable resource for diagnosing and resolving DNS-related issues.

Key Features of the DNS Section in net-internals

  1. DNS Cache: The DNS cache within Chrome stores the results of recent DNS lookups. This cache helps speed up the browsing experience by avoiding redundant DNS queries for previously visited domains. On the DNS internals page, you can view the current entries in the DNS cache, including domain names and their corresponding IP addresses.
  2. Clear Host Cache Button: Sometimes, issues with DNS resolution can occur due to outdated or incorrect entries in the cache. The “Clear host cache” button allows you to purge the DNS cache. This action forces Chrome to perform fresh DNS lookups for future requests, which can help resolve issues related to stale or incorrect cached data.
  3. Host Resolver Cache: This section displays detailed information about the host resolver cache, including the expiration times of cached entries and their sources. Reviewing this data can be useful for understanding which entries are currently stored and when they will expire.
  4. Stale Entries: Over time, the DNS cache may accumulate stale entries that no longer correspond to valid IP addresses. Identifying and clearing these stale entries can resolve connectivity issues and ensure that your browser is using up-to-date DNS information.
  5. Log DNS Requests: For advanced troubleshooting, Chrome offers the option to log DNS requests. Enabling DNS request logging records all DNS queries and their responses. This log can be analyzed to understand the DNS resolution process and diagnose potential issues.

    When is it necessary to clear the DNS cache in Chrome?

    Your browser stores DNS information in a cache to speed up future requests. However, this cached information can sometimes cause problems. Here are four scenarios when clearing the DNS cache in Chrome browser is necessary:

    • DNS error messages: When you receive error messages related to DNS, such as “DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN” or “ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED.”
    • Websites not loading or loading slow: When websites are either not loading or are taking a long time to load.
    • Inaccessible websites: When you can’t access certain websites, even though they work on other devices.
    • Incorrect page display: When your browser’s pages are not displaying correctly or are missing content.

    How to clear DNS cache in Google Chrome browser (Desktop and Android) using chrome://net-internals/#dns

    The steps for clearing the DNS cache in Chrome are the same for desktop and Android devices.

    1. Launch a new tab: Open a new tab on your Chrome browser.
    2. Access DNS settings: Paste chrome://net-internals/#dns in the address bar and press Enter.
    3. Clear DNS cache: Click on the Clear host cache button.

     

    Additional information

    If you need to clear the DNS cache on your operating system, refer to this article. It provides step by step guides on how to clear or flush the DNS cache on MS-Windows 7/8/10/11, Linux, and Mac OS.

    If you need to clear the DNS cache on your iOS device (iPhone or iPad), refer to this Youtube video.

    Conclusion

    Clearing your DNS cache in Chrome can improve your browsing experience. Following our three steps, flushing your DNS cache regularly will ensure you have the most up-to-date information.

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