Clearing cache on WordPress helps your site load faster and show the latest updates. This guide covers multiple methods—from plugins to manual server clearing—so you can choose what works best for your setup.
Key Takeaways
- Clearing cache improves site speed: Removing stored temporary files helps your WordPress site load faster for visitors.
- Use caching plugins for easy management: Plugins like WP Super Cache or W3 Total Cache let you clear cache with one click.
- Don’t forget browser cache: Sometimes the issue isn’t your site—it’s your browser holding onto old files.
- Server-level cache needs special attention: Hosting providers like SiteGround or Bluehost often have their own caching systems.
- Test after clearing: Always check your site after clearing cache to ensure everything still works correctly.
- Schedule regular cache clearing: Make it a habit to clear cache after major updates or content changes.
How to Clear Cache on WordPress
If your WordPress site is loading slowly or not showing recent changes, the problem might be cache. Cache stores temporary copies of your site’s files to help it load faster. But sometimes, that stored data becomes outdated—and needs to be cleared.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to clear cache on WordPress using different methods. Whether you’re using a plugin, your hosting provider’s tools, or doing it manually, we’ve got you covered. By the end, your site will be faster, fresher, and ready for visitors.
Why Clear Cache on WordPress?
Visual guide about How to Clear Cache on WordPress
Image source: wpengine.com
Cache is helpful—but only when it’s up to date. When you update your site—like changing a theme, adding a new plugin, or editing a page—those changes might not show right away because your browser or server is still showing the old cached version.
Clearing cache forces your site to load the latest version. This is especially important after:
– Updating your WordPress theme
– Installing or updating plugins
– Editing content or design
– Fixing errors or broken links
Without clearing cache, visitors might see outdated info—or worse, a broken page.
Method 1: Clear Cache Using a WordPress Plugin
Most WordPress users rely on caching plugins to manage cache. These tools not only speed up your site but also make clearing cache simple.
Step 1: Install a Caching Plugin
If you don’t already have one, install a popular caching plugin like:
– WP Super Cache
– W3 Total Cache
– WP Rocket (premium)
– LiteSpeed Cache
Go to Plugins > Add New in your WordPress dashboard. Search for your chosen plugin, click Install Now, then Activate.
Step 2: Access the Plugin’s Cache Settings
Once activated, look for the plugin’s menu in your WordPress sidebar. For example:
– WP Super Cache: Settings > WP Super Cache
– W3 Total Cache: Performance > Dashboard
– LiteSpeed Cache: LiteSpeed Cache > Dashboard
Step 3: Clear the Cache
Each plugin has a slightly different interface, but they all include a “Clear Cache” or “Purge Cache” button.
For example, in WP Super Cache:
– Go to Settings > WP Super Cache
– Click the Delete Cache button
In W3 Total Cache:
– Go to Performance > Dashboard
– Click Empty All Caches
In LiteSpeed Cache:
– Go to LiteSpeed Cache > Dashboard
– Click Purge All
That’s it! The plugin will remove all cached files and regenerate them the next time someone visits your site.
Pro Tip: Enable Automatic Cache Clearing
Many plugins let you auto-clear cache when you publish or update content. This saves you time and ensures visitors always see the latest version.
For example, in W3 Total Cache:
– Go to Performance > General Settings
– Under “Page Cache,” check Automatically prime the page cache
– Save changes
Method 2: Clear Cache via Your Hosting Provider
Many web hosts offer built-in caching systems. These work at the server level and can be even faster than plugin-based cache.
Step 1: Log Into Your Hosting Account
Go to your hosting provider’s website (like SiteGround, Bluehost, or Hostinger) and log into your control panel (usually cPanel or a custom dashboard).
Step 2: Find the Cache Management Tool
Look for options like:
– “Site Tools” > “Speed” > “Caching” (SiteGround)
– “Performance” > “Cache” (Bluehost)
– “LiteSpeed Cache” (if your host uses LiteSpeed servers)
Step 3: Clear the Server Cache
Click the “Clear Cache” or “Purge Cache” button. Some hosts let you clear cache for specific pages or your entire site.
For example, on SiteGround:
– Go to Site Tools > Speed > Caching
– Click Clear Cache under “Dynamic Cache”
This clears the server-side cache, which is separate from your plugin cache.
Important: Clear Both Plugin and Server Cache
If you use both a plugin and server caching, you may need to clear both to see changes. Always clear the plugin cache first, then the server cache.
Method 3: Clear Browser Cache
Sometimes, the issue isn’t your site—it’s your browser. Browsers store cached files to load pages faster, but they can also show outdated content.
Step 1: Use a Hard Refresh
The quickest fix is a hard refresh:
– On Windows: Press Ctrl + F5
– On Mac: Press Cmd + Shift + R
This forces your browser to reload the page without using cached files.
Step 2: Clear Browser Cache Manually
If a hard refresh doesn’t work, clear your browser’s full cache:
– In Chrome: Go to Settings > Privacy and Security > Clear Browsing Data. Select “Cached images and files” and click “Clear data.”
– In Firefox: Go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Cookies and Site Data > Clear Data
– In Safari: Go to Safari > Clear History and choose a time range
After clearing, reload your WordPress site to see the latest version.
Pro Tip: Test in Incognito Mode
Open your site in an incognito or private window. This loads the page without using any cached files—great for quick testing.
Method 4: Clear Cache via FTP or File Manager
If you can’t access your WordPress dashboard, you can clear cache manually using FTP or your hosting file manager.
Step 1: Connect to Your Site
Use an FTP client (like FileZilla) or go to your hosting control panel and open the File Manager.
Step 2: Locate the Cache Folder
Caching plugins store files in specific folders. Common locations:
– /wp-content/cache/ – Used by WP Super Cache, W3 Total Cache
– /wp-content/w3tc/ – W3 Total Cache
– /wp-content/plugins/wp-super-cache/cache/ – WP Super Cache
Step 3: Delete Cache Files
Open the cache folder and delete all files and subfolders inside. Do not delete the main cache folder itself—just its contents.
After deleting, reload your site. The plugin will recreate the cache automatically.
Warning: Be Careful with File Deletion
Only delete files inside the cache folder. Deleting other files can break your site.
Troubleshooting Common Cache Issues
Problem: Changes Still Not Showing
If your updates aren’t appearing after clearing cache:
– Clear cache from all sources: plugin, server, and browser
– Wait a few minutes—some systems take time to update
– Check if a CDN (like Cloudflare) is caching your site. Log into your CDN account and purge its cache
Problem: Site Breaks After Clearing Cache
Rarely, clearing cache can cause issues—especially if a plugin or theme depends on cached files.
– Reactivate your caching plugin
– Check for plugin conflicts by deactivating other plugins one by one
– Restore from a backup if needed
Problem: Cache Keeps Rebuilding Incorrectly
This can happen if your caching plugin settings are wrong.
– Go to your plugin’s settings
– Review cache rules and exclusions
– Make sure you’re not caching admin pages or logged-in users (unless needed)
Best Practices for Managing WordPress Cache
– Clear cache after updates: Always clear cache after updating themes, plugins, or WordPress core.
– Use a reliable caching plugin: Choose one that fits your site’s needs and is regularly updated.
– Monitor site speed: Use tools like Google PageSpeed Insights to check performance.
– Don’t over-cache: Avoid using too many caching plugins—stick to one to prevent conflicts.
For example, if you’re using a fast theme like the best WordPress theme for SEO and speed, pair it with a lightweight caching plugin for optimal results.
Conclusion
Clearing cache on WordPress is a simple but powerful way to keep your site fast and up to date. Whether you use a plugin, your hosting tools, or manual methods, regular cache clearing ensures visitors see the latest content—not outdated copies.
Start by using a caching plugin like WP Super Cache or LiteSpeed Cache. Then, remember to clear cache after major changes. And don’t forget your browser—sometimes the fix is just a hard refresh away.
With these steps, your WordPress site will stay speedy, fresh, and error-free.