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Query macOS Hostname Resolution with dscacheutil

Ask Directory Services what it resolves for a hostname, the same path the system uses — ideal for verifying a DNS flush.

macOSmacosnetworkDNScliLow risk
Run `dscacheutil -q host -a name example.com` to see the cached ip_address, ttl and other attributes the system resolver returns.

01Command

Command
$ dscacheutil -q host -a name example.com

02What it does

Unlike dig, which queries DNS servers directly, dscacheutil goes through macOS's Directory Services layer — exactly what apps use when they connect — so its output reflects what your Mac is actually resolving right now, including cached answers. The -q host selects a host query, and -a name sets the hostname to look up. A quick workflow after a DNS change: flush the cache, run dscacheutil, and confirm the ip_address lines now show the new IP.

03Risk

RiskLow risk

04Undo

✓No undo needed — this command does not change persistent state.

05Sources

  • dscacheutil - Gather information and statistics from the Directory Services cache
    SS64 · technical · 2026-09-17
    Evidence: Documents `-q <category>` with categories including `host`, and `-a <attribute> <value>` (e.g. `-a name <hostname>`) to query cached directory/DNS entries.
  • dscacheutil(1) man page
    Xcode Man Pages (keith.github.io) · technical · 2026-09-17
    Evidence: Man page for dscacheutil: `-q host -a name <host>` performs a host query through the Directory Services cache, showing ip_address and other returned attributes.

Last verified: 2026-09-19 · Category: Network