how to clear WordPress cache without plugin

Understanding WordPress Cache

Caching is an essential technology in WordPress that helps in speeding up the website by storing temporarily static versions of content and reducing the load on servers. However, sometimes the cache can prevent newer, updated content from appearing promptly. Clearing the WordPress cache manually without a plugin is straightforward once you understand a few basics.

Step-by-Step Guide to Clear Browser Cache

Before manipulating any files or settings in WordPress, ensure that the issue isn’t just your local browser cache.

1. Google Chrome: Click the three dots in the upper-right corner, select “More tools,” and then “Clear browsing data.” Choose the time range and check “Cached images and files” before clicking “Clear data.”

2. Mozilla Firefox: Access the menu using the three lines in the upper-right corner, choose “Options,” then “Privacy & Security.” Under “Cookies and Site Data,” click “Clear Data” and select “Cached Web Content.”

3. Safari: For Safari users, go to the “Safari” menu, select “Preferences,” then “Advanced.” Enable the “Show Develop menu in menu bar” option, close the dialog, and from the new Develop menu, select “Empty Caches.”

Manual Clearing of WordPress Cache

If the issue persists after clearing the browser cache, you might need to manually clear the WordPress cache. This involves a few steps at different levels: server-side, theme, and CDN (if used).

1. Clear Server-Side Cache

• Via Hosting Dashboard:
  Most managed WordPress hosting services offer a caching mechanism that can be cleared from your hosting account dashboard. Look for options like “Purge cache” or “Clear cache.”

• Via FTP/SFTP:
  If your host doesn’t provide a specific tool, you might need to manually delete cache files via FTP. Log in to your server using an FTP client, navigate to the /wp-content/ directory, and delete the cache folder. Be cautious to ensure it’s only the cache folder you’re deleting.

2. Clear Your Theme Cache

Some WordPress themes come with built-in caching solutions. These settings are generally located under the theme’s settings page in the WordPress dashboard.

• Navigate to “Appearance” and then “Customize.”
• Look for a “Cache” section or similar terminology.
• Press the button typically labeled “Clear Cache” or “Reset Cache.”

3. Flush Cache Using WordPress Tools

For sites not using any third-party cache plugins but having performance features, WordPress provides a tool to manage cache settings:

• Go to “Tools” in your dashboard and select “Site Health.”
• Click on “Info” and scroll to “Directories and Sizes.”
• Here you’ll find whether your site is caching information locally and tools to clear it.

4. Clear Object Cache

If your WordPress installation includes object caching, clearing it is essential:

• Connect to your server through SSH.
• Run the command wp cache flush if you have WP-CLI installed.
• This command clears the WordPress object cache system-wide.

5. Handling CDN Cache

If you use a CDN (Content Delivery Network), you’ll also need to clear its cache so that changes are immediately reflected worldwide.

• Log into your CDN’s management dashboard.
• Most CDNs like Cloudflare, MaxCDN, or others offer a ‘Purge Cache’ feature.
• Select either to purge individual files or all files.

Best Practices and Other Considerations

Manually clearing cache might affect your site performance temporarily as new cache files are being generated. Additionally, ensure that caching does not reoccur by checking settings or inquiring with your web host for specific configurations that might automatically cache content.

Remember, regular maintenance of your WordPress site, including managing cache, is crucial for optimal performance and user experience. Engage with professional help if needed, especially in complex environments involving extensive use of different caching layers and technologies.