Support Guide

Clearing your browser cache: a simple guide

If website changes are not showing on your device, a hard refresh is usually the fastest fix. Use the shortcuts below for your browser.

Quick answer: what clearing cache does

Clearing your browser cache forces your device to download the newest version of a page, including updated images, styles, scripts, and content. It is useful when a change has been published but your browser keeps showing the old version.

A browser cache is not bad. It helps websites load faster. The trouble starts when the saved version is older than the live page, especially after a redesign, plugin update, DNS change, or launch.

Google Chrome

Windows: Ctrl + F5
Mac: Cmd + Shift + R

Safari

Mac: open the Safari menu, choose Settings, enable the Develop menu if needed, choose Empty Caches, then reload with Cmd + R.

Mozilla Firefox

Windows: Ctrl + F5
Mac: Cmd + Shift + R

Microsoft Edge

Windows: use Ctrl + F5. On Mac, use Cmd + Shift + R to request a fresh copy of the page.

Mobile browsers

On phones and tablets, close the browser tab, reopen the page, and if needed clear website data for the browser. For Safari on iPhone, this is under Settings, Safari, Advanced, Website Data. For Chrome, use Settings, Privacy and Security, Clear Browsing Data.

Troubleshooting

When a hard refresh is not enough

Website cache

WordPress caching plugins can keep an older page available until the site cache is purged. This is common after copy edits, CSS changes, and plugin updates.

CDN cache

A CDN can store pages or assets near visitors. If it is not cleared after launch, visitors may see old files even after their browser cache is clean.

DNS cache

After hosting or domain changes, some networks keep old DNS answers for a while. That can make one visitor reach the new site while another reaches the old server.

FAQ

Browser cache questions

Will clearing cache delete my passwords?

A hard refresh will not delete passwords. Clearing all browsing data can remove cookies and sign you out of websites, so choose cache or website data carefully.

Why does the site look right for one person but wrong for another?

Different browsers, devices, networks, and CDNs can hold different cached files. That is why support teams often ask for the page URL, browser, device, and screenshot.

Should I clear cache after every WordPress update?

Not always. It is most useful after visible design, content, plugin, hosting, or launch changes. A good WordPress maintenance process includes cache checks when updates affect the front end.

What should I send support if the issue continues?

Send the exact page URL, what you expected to see, what you see instead, your browser, your device, and whether the issue appears in a private window or on another network.