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The Ultimate Guide on
How to Clear Cache

If you made updates to your website but cannot see them, a cache is likely serving you an old version. Learn exactly how to clear cache across your browser, WordPress site, and DNS.

5 min read
Updated May 2026
Troubleshooting
// The Basics

What is a Cache?

A cache is a temporary storage area that keeps copies of recently accessed data. Instead of forcing a server or your browser to download the exact same logos, code, and images every single time you visit a website, the cache loads a saved copy instantly.

how to clear cache
memory_analogy.txt
$ cat memory_analogy.txt

Imagine you ask someone: "What is 5,432 x 12?"
They have to pull out a calculator and solve it (This is a Server Request).

If you ask them the exact same question 5 seconds later, they don't need the calculator. They just remember the answer (This is a Cache Hit).

// Client Side

How to Clear Browser Cache

If you want to know how to clear cache on your personal device so you can see live website changes, follow the shortcut commands below for your specific web browser:

Google Chrome

Press Ctrl + Shift + Delete (Windows) or Cmd + Shift + Delete (Mac). Select "Cached images and files" and click Clear data.

Mozilla Firefox

Press Ctrl + Shift + Delete. Set the time range to "Everything", check the "Cache" box, and click OK.

Apple Safari

Press Cmd + Option + E to instantly empty the browser cache without clearing your cookies or history.

Note: If you need step-by-step mobile instructions for Android devices, you can view Google's official documentation on clearing cache and cookies.

// Server Side

Clearing WordPress Cache

If your browser is clean but the website is still showing an old design, the issue is server-side. Here is how to clear cache inside your WordPress admin dashboard:

LiteSpeed Cache (LSCache)

HostGraber's optimized WordPress servers run on LiteSpeed. To clear it:

  1. Log into your WordPress Dashboard.
  2. Look at the top admin bar for the LiteSpeed icon.
  3. Hover over it and click "Purge All".

WP Rocket / W3 Total Cache

If you use a premium third-party caching plugin, the process is identical:

  1. Locate the plugin name in the top admin bar.
  2. Select "Clear Cache" or "Purge Cache".
  3. Hard refresh your browser to see the changes.
// Network Layer

Clearing CDN & DNS Cache

If you have cleared your browser and your WordPress cache but the issue persists, the problem lies in the deeper network layers. Here is how to clear cache at the network level:

1. Cloudflare (CDN Cache)

If you route your traffic through Cloudflare, their global edge servers are holding onto an old copy of your CSS or images.

  • Log into your Cloudflare account.
  • Navigate to Caching > Configuration.
  • Click the blue Purge Everything button (or select Custom Purge for a specific URL).

2. Operating System (DNS Cache)

If you recently changed your nameservers or migrated to HostGraber, your computer might be caching the old IP address. You need to flush your DNS.

Windows (Command Prompt): ipconfig /flushdns
Mac OS (Terminal): sudo dscacheutil -flushcache; sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder
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// FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Common troubleshooting questions about caching:

Q

Why do I need to know how to clear cache?

Knowing how to clear cache is essential for website development. If you update a logo, change CSS code, or publish a new post, your browser might load the old saved version. Clearing the cache forces the browser to fetch the newest files.

Q

Will clearing my browser cache delete my passwords?

No. As long as you only check the "Cached images and files" box when clearing your browser data, your saved passwords, browsing history, and cookies (active logins) will remain perfectly intact.

Q

What is a "Hard Refresh"?

A hard refresh is a keyboard shortcut (Ctrl + F5 on Windows, Cmd + Shift + R on Mac) that reloads the current web page while actively ignoring the local browser cache, fetching the most recent version from the server.

// Summary

Key Takeaways

The four layers of troubleshooting your website cache:

💻

1. Browser

Use Ctrl+F5 or your browser settings to wipe local stored images.

⚙️

2. WordPress

Purge server-side HTML files via LSCache or WP Rocket plugins.

☁️

3. CDN

Log into Cloudflare and click "Purge Everything" for global edge servers.

🌐

4. DNS

Run ipconfig /flushdns in your terminal to clear old IP routing data.

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