HUB - Cache Information

Sometimes issues that should not normally exist on your webpage are simply because of your own cache and can be quickly removed by clearing the cache out. There are three types of caches that may affect how your website is performing. These caches are Browser Cache, Plugin Cache and Server Cache. Please read below to learn how to clear each type of cache.

  • Browser Cache - this is cache stored by your browser to allow your page content to load faster.
  • Plugin Cache - this is cache specifically from a 3rd party WordPress plugin.
  • Server Cache - this is cache imposed by your hosting company directly from your server.

How To Clear Browser Cache For Each Browser

Your browser cache, also called  Temporary Internet Files for some browsers, serves as a folder where some items such as images, photos, or even entire websites are stored or cached. This is so visiting frequent websites takes less time and allows them to load much faster. There are times when simply refreshing the page is not enough, and you have to clear your browser cache to solves some issues.

For Mozilla Firefox

Step 1 - Click the Open Menu icon found on the upper right corner of the browser. The icon will look similar to three stacked bars.

Step 2 - Click the Preferences option, and switch to the Advanced tab.

Step 3 - Once in the Advanced tab, switch to the Network tab.

Step 4 - In the Cached Web Content section, Click the Clear Now button to clear your browser cache.

For Google Chrome

Step 1 - Click the Customize icon found on the upper right corner of the browser. The icon will look similar to three stacked bars.

Step 2 - Click the Settings option, and switch to the History tab on the left side.

Step 3 - Click the Clear Browser Data... button.

Step 4 - Select The Beginning of Time option from the dropdown menu, make sure that only the Cached Images and Files option is checked.

Step 5 - Click the Clear Browsing Data button to clear your cache.

For Apple Safari

Step 1 - Click the Safari option in the top menu bar.

Step 2 - Click the Preferences... option, then the Preferences window will pop up.

Step 3 - In the Preferences window, switch to the Advanced tab. Once there, make sure the Show Developer Menu In Menu Bar is checked.

Step 4 - In the top menu bar of Apple Safari browser, you will now see a Developer option.

Step 5 - Click the Developer option, then select Empty Caches option to clear your cache.

For Internet Explorer

Step 1 - Click the Tools icon found on the upper right corner of the browser. The icon will look similar to a gear.

Step 2 - Click the Internet Options option from the dropdown menu. This will bring up the Internet Options window.

Step 3 - In the General tab, click the Delete... button under the Browsing History section.

Step 4 - Make sure that the Temporary Internet Files and Website Files option is checked.

Step 5 - Click the Delete button to clear your cache.

IMPORTANT NOTE: If your browser is not included above, please visit this website for more information.

How To Clear Plugin Cache

If you've installed a 3rd party cache plugin, such as W3TC, or WP Super Cache, then this may also interfere with how your website is functioning and may cause unexpected issues. To clear your plugin cache, please continue reading below.

For W3TC

Step 1 - In the top menu bar of your Wordpress Panel, you will find a Performance tab.

Step 2 - Under the Performance tab, click the Clear Cache option to clear your W3TC plugin cache completely.

For WP Super Cache

Step 1 - In the Settings tab of your Wordpress Panel, locate the WP Super Cache option.

Step 2 - In the WP Super Cache tab, click the Delete Cache button under the Delete Cached Pages section to clear your plugin cache.

IMPORTANT NOTE: If your 3rd party cache plugin is not included above, please check the documentation for that plugin on their website.

Server Cache

In some cases, your Web Hosting may have server caching software installed which may also be the cause of issues on your website. You also need to clear this to solve those issues and to preview any new changes you make on your website.