How to clear caches
When addressing caching issues on a self-hosted WordPress site, it's often practical to start with browser caching, as it's the most immediate and controllable form of caching from the end-user's perspective.
1. Browser caching
Browsers store website data to speed up subsequent visits by reducing loading times. This is convenient for users but can cause issues when updates are made to your site, and the browser continues to display cached (older) content.
How to clear for a single page:
- Hard reload: Press CTRL + F5 on Windows or CMD + SHIFT + R on Mac while viewing the page. This forces the browser to fetch the latest version from the server. You may need to do this a few times.
How to clear for the entire site:
- Browser settings: Go to your browser's settings under the "Privacy" or "History" section and find the option to clear cached data. You can choose to clear all cached data or specify data related to your WordPress site. Restart your browser after clearing the cache to ensure the changes take effect.
2. WordPress caching plugins
Caching plugins like W3 Total Cache, WP Super Cache, and LiteSpeed Cache enhance performance by creating and serving static HTML versions of your WordPress pages.
How to clear:
- Access WordPress admin: Log in to your WordPress dashboard.
- Navigate to plugin settings: Find the settings page for your caching plugin, typically under "Settings" or directly on the admin sidebar.
- Clear cache: Look for a "Purge Cache," "Clear Cache," or "Empty All Caches" option. The exact terminology and location can vary, so consult the plugin's documentation if needed.
3. Server-level caching
Server-level caching is implemented by your hosting provider to improve site performance by storing cached versions of web pages at the server level.
How to Clear:
- Access hosting account: Log into your web hosting control panel.
- Find caching options: Search for "Caching," "Performance," or similar sections. This might be under "Advanced" or "Software."
- Purge cache: Use the "Purge Cache" or "Clear Cache" feature provided by your host to clear the server cache. The steps can differ depending on the host, so refer to their support or documentation for guidance.
Additional considerations
- Developer mode: Some caching solutions offer a "Developer Mode" that temporarily bypasses caching, allowing you to see changes in real time.
- Clearing CDN cache: If using a CDN like Cloudflare, remember to also clear the CDN's cache to ensure content updates are visible.
- Incognito/Private mode: Use these browser modes to view your site without the influence of browser caching, providing a fresh perspective on recent changes.
By starting with browser caching and moving through to plugin and server-level caching, you can ensure your self-hosted WordPress site reflects the latest content and operates at its best for all users.