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What to Do When Clearing the Cache Does Not Work

You cleared the cache but still see the old version of your website. This guide helps you find out why.

How-To Guides2 min read8 steps

What is a cache?

A cache is a stored copy of something. Browsers keep copies of pictures and pages so sites load faster. Your website, your hosting server and a service like a CDN can also keep copies. A CDN is a network of servers that holds copies of your site near visitors.

The problem starts when a copy is old. You change the site, but someone still sees the stored copy. There can be several caches, so you may need to clear more than one.

Steps to try, in order

  1. Hard refresh the page. Press Ctrl+Shift+R on Windows or Linux. Press Cmd+Shift+R on a Mac.
  2. Clear your browser cache. Open your browser's settings, find Clear browsing data, tick Cached images and files, and clear.
  3. Try a private window. Open your site in an incognito or private window. If it looks right there, the problem is your browser.
  4. Try another device or network. Use your phone on mobile data. This shows if the problem is on your side.
  5. Clear your website's cache. If you use WordPress, open your cache plugin's settings and click Clear or Purge All. Do the same for your theme or page builder cache.
  6. Clear the CDN cache. If you use a CDN such as Cloudflare, log in to it and look for Purge Cache.
  7. Clear the server cache. Some hosting plans have a server-side cache. Look in your control panel for a cache tool. If you cannot find one, ask Hostvento support.
  8. Wait a little. Some caches keep a copy for a set time and expire on their own.

Other reasons the page still looks old

  • You edited the wrong file or the wrong website folder.
  • Your changes were not saved.
  • Your domain points to a different server. This is a DNS issue. DNS is the internet's phone book, and changes there can take time to spread.
  • Two cache plugins are fighting each other. Use only one.
Tip: Add ?test=1 to the end of your page address. A fresh address often skips the stored copy.

Still stuck?

Open a support ticket. Tell us the page address and which steps you already tried.

Quick recap

  • Hard refresh and clear your browser cache first.
  • Test in a private window or another device.
  • Clear plugin, CDN and server caches too.
  • Check that you edited the right file.
  • Ask support if the problem remains.