To purge performance cache in WordPress, you typically interact with various caching layers, including your hosting provider's cache, caching plugins, Content Delivery Networks (CDNs), and even your browser's cache. Understanding which layer needs purging is key to effectively seeing your site updates.
Key Methods for Purging WordPress Performance Cache
Clearing your performance cache in WordPress depends on the specific caching solutions implemented on your website. Below are the most common methods to purge your site's cache, ensuring your latest changes are visible to visitors.
1. Host-Level Caching (e.g., WP Engine)
Many managed WordPress hosting providers offer built-in caching solutions for optimized performance. Purging this cache is often straightforward and essential after making significant site changes.
How to Purge WP Engine Cache:
If your WordPress site is hosted on WP Engine and you encounter problems or need to clear your cache to reflect recent updates, the process is simple:
- Access your WordPress Dashboard: Log in to your WordPress admin area.
- Navigate to WP Engine Settings: In the sidebar of your WordPress dashboard, locate and click on the WP Engine menu item.
- Purge All Caches: Within the WP Engine settings, you will find the General settings. Click on Purge All Caches.
This action will clear your site's entire server-side cache managed by WP Engine, ensuring that visitors see the most current version of your website.
2. WordPress Cache Plugins
Most WordPress websites utilize caching plugins to improve loading times by storing static versions of your pages. If you've updated content, themes, or plugins, you'll need to clear this cache.
Common Cache Plugins and How to Purge Them:
While the exact steps may vary slightly, most caching plugins provide an intuitive way to clear the cache. Look for a "Clear Cache," "Purge Cache," or "Delete Cache" button within the plugin's settings or a convenient shortcut in your WordPress admin bar.
Here's how to generally purge cache with popular plugins:
- WP Super Cache:
- Go to Settings > WP Super Cache.
- Click the Delete Cache button.
- W3 Total Cache:
- Navigate to Performance > Dashboard.
- Click the Empty All Caches button.
- LiteSpeed Cache:
- Hover over the LiteSpeed Cache icon in the WordPress admin bar at the top of your screen.
- Select Purge All.
- WP Fastest Cache:
- Hover over the WP Fastest Cache icon in the WordPress admin bar.
- Select Clear Cache > Clear All Cache.
For detailed instructions, always refer to the specific plugin's documentation or support pages. You can often find official plugin information on the WordPress.org Plugin Directory.
3. Content Delivery Network (CDN) Cache
If you use a CDN like Cloudflare, Sucuri, or StackPath to deliver your static assets (images, CSS, JavaScript) globally, you may need to purge its cache separately after making changes to these files.
How to Purge CDN Cache:
- Log in to your CDN Provider's Dashboard: Access the control panel of your CDN service.
- Locate Caching Settings: Find the section related to caching, performance, or purge options.
- Initiate Purge: Look for options like "Purge All," "Purge Everything," or "Invalidate Cache." Some CDNs allow you to purge specific URLs or asset types.
For example, with Cloudflare:
- Log into your Cloudflare account.
- Select your domain.
- Go to the Caching tab.
- Click Purge Everything or Custom Purge for specific URLs.
4. Browser Cache
Even after clearing server and plugin caches, your local web browser might still display an older version of your site due to its own cache.
How to Clear Browser Cache:
- Hard Refresh:
- Windows/Linux: Press
Ctrl + F5
orShift + F5
. - Mac: Press
Cmd + Shift + R
.
- Windows/Linux: Press
- Manually Clear Browser Data:
- Chrome: Go to Settings > Privacy and security > Clear browsing data. Select "Cached images and files" and clear.
- Firefox: Go to Options > Privacy & Security > Cookies and Site Data > Clear Data....
- Safari: Go to Safari > Preferences > Advanced and check "Show Develop menu in menu bar." Then go to Develop > Empty Caches.
When to Purge Cache
Action Requiring Cache Purge | Reason |
---|---|
Updating content (posts, pages) | To ensure new text, images, or layout changes are immediately visible. |
Modifying theme files (CSS, JS) | To display design changes, especially after custom CSS or JavaScript updates. |
Installing or updating plugins | To prevent conflicts or ensure new plugin functionalities are active. |
Troubleshooting display issues | Often, a cache conflict can cause visual glitches, which clearing cache resolves. |
After migration or site restore | To ensure the site operates on fresh data and not stale cached versions. |
By systematically clearing the cache at each relevant layer, you can effectively manage your WordPress site's performance and ensure your visitors always see the most up-to-date version of your content.