Understanding DNS Caching and How to Bypass It

When a website’s domain or DNS records are updated; such as after a migration or domain change. You may briefly see unexpected behavior, like being redirected incorrectly or seeing an older version of the site. This is usually caused by DNS caching, not an issue with the website or hosting itself.

This article explains what DNS caching is and how a quick network test can help confirm it.

DNS (Domain Name System) caching is a process where your computer, browser, router, or internet provider temporarily stores information about how a domain should resolve (where it should point).

This helps websites load faster, but it also means:

• Your device may continue using old DNS information

• Recent DNS changes may not appear immediately

• Different devices or networks may see different results

DNS caching can exist at multiple levels:

• Browser cache

• Operating system cache

• Router or local network cache

• Internet Service Provider (ISP) cache

Because of this, DNS changes can appear inconsistent for a short period of time.

You may be experiencing DNS caching if:

• The site works on one device but not another

• The site works on mobile data but not on Wi-Fi

• The site works for others but not for you

• You’re redirected to an old URL or location

A fast way to confirm whether an issue is DNS caching is to test the site from a fresh network.

Option 1: Mobile Data Test (Recommended)

1. Turn off Wi-Fi on your phone

2. Enable mobile data

3. Open the website in your browser

If the site works correctly on mobile data, this confirms:

• DNS records are correct

• The site is live and resolving properly

• The issue is local caching on the original network or device

Option 2: Different Network or Device

• Try another computer

• Use a different Wi-Fi network

• Ask a colleague to check from their location

Once confirmed, DNS caching issues typically resolve by:

• Clearing your browser cache

• Flushing DNS on your computer

• Restarting your router

• Waiting for DNS propagation to complete (can take several hours in some cases)

Here's a quick KB on How to Clear the DNS Cache on Your Computer.

In many situations, simply waiting a short while is enough.

• DNS caching is normal and expected behavior

• It does not mean something is broken

• It does not require changes on the hosting side once DNS is correct

If the site works on a fresh network, everything is functioning properly.