How to Clear the Cache in WordPress (Every Layer)

You've updated a page, refreshed your site, and nothing has changed. Nine times out of ten, that's caching. Caches store a ready-made copy of your pages so your site loads faster, which is brilliant until you want to see an edit straight away. The confusing part is that a WordPress site can have several caches at once. Here's how to find and clear each one.

Why there's no single clear cache button

WordPress core doesn't come with its own page cache to clear. The WordPress developer handbook explains that caching usually comes from plugins such as W3 Total Cache, WP Super Cache or Cache Enabler, which save your posts and pages as static files and serve those to visitors. On top of that, your browser, your web host and any CDN can each keep their own copies.

The caches you might have

Cache	Where it lives	How to clear it
Plugin page cache	Your caching plugin	Clear or purge button in the plugin
Host cache	Your web host's servers	Your hosting dashboard or a WordPress admin bar button
CDN cache	A service in front of your site	The CDN's dashboard, with a purge option
Browser cache	Your own computer	Hard refresh or clear browsing data

Step 1: Clear your caching plugin

1. Log in to your WordPress dashboard.
2. Look in the black admin bar at the top for your caching plugin's menu.
3. Choose the option to clear, purge or delete the cache. The wording varies by plugin.
4. If you can't see it there, open the plugin's settings page from the left-hand menu.

Most caching plugins let you clear everything at once or just the page you're on. For a single page edit, clearing that page is enough.

Step 2: Clear your host's cache

Many managed WordPress hosts run their own server caching, which the handbook describes as sitting in front of the web servers where WordPress runs. Some hosts add a clear cache button to your WordPress admin bar; others put it in the hosting dashboard. If you're not sure, search your host's help pages for clearing the cache.

Step 3: Clear your CDN

If you use a CDN, which stores copies of your site around the world, log in to its dashboard and look for a purge option. Purge just the changed URL if you can, rather than everything, so the rest of your site stays fast.

Step 4: Clear your browser cache

The handbook explains that browser caching stores files that rarely change, such as images, CSS and JavaScript, on the visitor's computer. That's why your own browser can show an old version even after every other cache is clear. Do a hard refresh, which on most browsers is Ctrl+Shift+R on Windows or Cmd+Shift+R on a Mac, or open the page in a private window to check.

The reassuring part people don't know

Clearing a cache never deletes your content. The handbook makes the point that cached data should always be replaceable and regenerable, and that if a cache is corrupted, no data is lost, though the site may be a little slower while the cache rebuilds. So you can clear caches freely without worrying about losing posts or settings.

When caching causes login trouble

If your login page keeps reloading, caching can be the cause. The developer handbook recommends excluding the login page and logged-in sessions from page caching, and suggests clearing your browser cookies for the site as a first step. Most good caching plugins exclude the login page automatically.

Run only one caching plugin

Installing two caching plugins doesn't make your site twice as fast. They tend to clash, causing broken layouts or pages that never update. Pick one, set it up, and check whether your host already caches for you before adding a plugin at all. My guide to website monitoring tools helps you keep an eye on speed, and if you're changing hosts, my website migration tips include clearing every cache after the move.

When to clear the cache

• After editing a page or post that doesn't show the change.
• After switching or updating your theme.
• After installing or changing a plugin that affects how pages look.
• After changing menus, widgets or your site's header and footer.
• After moving your site to a new host or domain.

You don't need to clear caches every day. Caching is there to make your site faster for visitors, so clearing it constantly just makes pages slower until the cache rebuilds. Clear it when you've made a change you need to see, and leave it alone the rest of the time.

Check what your visitors see

Once you've cleared everything, open the page in a private browsing window, or on your phone using mobile data rather than your Wi-Fi. That gives you a fresh view, much closer to what a first-time visitor sees, and it's the quickest way to confirm the old version has gone.

My verdict

Clear your caching plugin first, then your host and CDN caches, then hard refresh your browser. Remember that clearing a cache never deletes content, so there's no risk in doing it. If edits still don't show, check you're looking at the right page and that you saved or updated it.

Frequently asked questions

Does WordPress have a clear cache button?

Not in core. The button comes from your caching plugin or your web host.

Will clearing the cache delete my WordPress content?

No. Cached data is a copy that regenerates; your posts and settings stay safe.

Why can't I see my changes after clearing the cache?

Your browser may still hold an old copy. Do a hard refresh or open a private window.

Should I use two caching plugins?

No. Use one caching plugin, and check whether your host already caches your site.

Can caching stop me logging into WordPress?

It can. The handbook recommends excluding the login page from page caching.