How to Clear WordPress Cache (Tutorial + Plugins)

Clearing your WordPress cache is an essential task to ensure your site functions smoothly, displays updated content, and avoids performance issues. Caching helps improve speed, but an outdated or corrupted cache can cause problems like displaying old content or breaking functionality.

This guide will walk you through how to clear your WordPress cache manually and using plugins.

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What Is WordPress Cache?

Definition

WordPress cache refers to temporarily stored data that helps speed up your website. By caching pages, scripts, and database queries, WordPress reduces server load and improves user experience.

Types of Cache

1. Browser Cache:
   • Stores static files (CSS, JavaScript, images) locally on the user’s browser.
2. Page Cache:
   • Saves entire pages as static files to reduce processing time.
3. Object Cache:
   • Stores database query results for quicker access.
4. CDN Cache:
   • Stores cached assets on a Content Delivery Network (CDN) for faster global delivery.

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Why Clear WordPress Cache?

Common Reasons

1. View Updated Content:
   • Ensure changes to your site’s design or functionality are reflected immediately.
2. Fix Display Issues:
   • Resolve problems like broken layouts or incorrect data.
3. Improve Performance:
   • Remove corrupted or outdated cache files.
4. Troubleshoot Errors:
   • Eliminate caching as a potential cause of site issues.

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Step 1: Clear Cache Using a Caching Plugin

Recommended Plugins

1. WP Rocket
   • Premium caching plugin with advanced features.
2. W3 Total Cache
   • Free and comprehensive caching solution.
3. LiteSpeed Cache
   • Ideal for LiteSpeed server users.

How to Clear Cache with WP Rocket

1. Go to Settings > WP Rocket in your WordPress dashboard.
2. Click Clear Cache under the Dashboard tab.
3. Optionally, pre-load cache to ensure updated content is cached.

How to Clear Cache with W3 Total Cache

1. Navigate to Performance > Dashboard.
2. Click Empty All Caches.
3. Confirm by refreshing your website to see the changes.

How to Clear Cache with LiteSpeed Cache

1. Go to LiteSpeed Cache > Toolbox.
2. Click Purge All under the Purge tab.
3. Test your site for updated content.

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Step 2: Clear Browser Cache

Why Clear Browser Cache?

Browsers store static assets to speed up loading, but outdated assets can cause display issues.

Steps to Clear Browser Cache

1. Open your browser settings.
2. Navigate to Privacy and Security > Clear Browsing Data.
3. Select Cached Images and Files.
4. Click Clear Data and refresh your site.

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Step 3: Clear Hosting Cache

Hosting Providers with Built-In Caching

1. SiteGround:
   • Uses the SG Optimizer plugin for caching.
2. Kinsta:
   • Offers server-level caching with a clear cache option in the MyKinsta dashboard.
3. WP Engine:
   • Provides cache clearing directly in the hosting control panel.

How to Clear Hosting Cache

1. Log in to your hosting control panel.
2. Look for caching settings or tools.
3. Click Clear Cache or equivalent option.

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Step 4: Clear CDN Cache

Why Clear CDN Cache?

If your site uses a CDN, cached files on remote servers might not update immediately, causing inconsistencies.

How to Clear CDN Cache

1. Log in to your CDN provider (e.g., Cloudflare, KeyCDN).
2. Navigate to the cache settings.
3. Click Purge All or select specific files to clear.
4. Test your site to confirm changes.

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Step 5: Clear Object Cache

Plugins for Object Caching

1. Redis Object Cache:
   • Efficiently manages database queries.
2. Memcached:
   • Ideal for high-traffic sites.

How to Clear Object Cache

1. Install a database or object cache plugin.
2. Navigate to the plugin’s settings.
3. Click Flush Cache or equivalent option.

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Troubleshooting Common Issues

1. Cache Not Clearing

• Solution: Ensure all layers of cache (plugin, browser, hosting, CDN) are cleared.

2. Site Still Showing Old Content

• Solution: Test your site in incognito mode or use a different browser.

3. Broken Layouts After Clearing Cache

• Solution: Clear browser cache and ensure no conflicting plugins are active.

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Conclusion

Clearing your WordPress cache is a straightforward but vital task to ensure your website remains fast, functional, and up-to-date. By following the steps outlined above, you can address caching issues effectively and maintain a smooth experience for your visitors.

Start managing your WordPress cache today for optimal performance and user satisfaction!