First aid for caching problems on your Divi website
What do you do if your website doesn’t look quite right on your screen? In many cases, this is a ‘caching problem’. Here’s what cache is and how to solve issues by clearing different types of cache.
What is cache?
Cache consists of files stored in your browser or on servers and networks. They help load your pages faster by saving previously used files locally. While generally beneficial, they can cause problems after updates or while working on a website because the files being displayed are not up to date with the latest version of your saved page.
Where is the cache located?
The path your website takes from web hosting to your screen is longer than you might think, and caching can play a role at all the stops along the way. Temporary files are stored at each location, so you’ll often need to take action in several places to resolve display issues.
This is the route a website takes to arrive at your screen:
Resolve website display issues with these 7 steps.
These are the steps described below. Start from 1 and check after each step if the problems are resolved, as you might not need all the steps. It may seem complicated, but it’s really just clicking a few buttons. You can do this!
- Open a private browser window
- Clear browser cache
- Clear Divi cache in Divi (Static CSS File Generation)
- Optional: Clear Divi cache via Divi Assistant or Divi Pixel plugin
- Clear website cache via a caching plugin
- Advanced: Clear CDN cache
- Restart the router
1. Open a private browser window
Open an incognito or private window to reload the page, seeing it as though you’re visiting the website for the first time. Completely fresh.
If the display is correct in the private window, it’s time to clear your browser cache.
2. Clear browser cache
Below you see how to clear cache in Google Chrome and Safari, but other browsers have similar procedures. Please note: this will also close open tabs and active logins.
For other browsers, you’ll find detailed instructions on this website
3. Clear Divi Cache in Divi (Static CSS File Generation)
A common problem with Divi is the cache of static CSS files, especially if your site is still in development. To clear this cache:
- Go to Divi > Theme Options > Builder > Advanced in your WordPress Dashboard.
- Toggle the option for Static CSS File Generation off and on, then press the ‘Clear’ button
EXPERT TIP: If your website is under development and facing Divi Cache issues, temporarily disable this function. Enable it when the site is ready.
4. Optional (instead of step 3): Clear Divi Cache via Divi Assistant or Divi Pixel plugin
In some cases, you might have a plugin that adds the option to Clear Divi Cache to your WordPress admin bar. If so, you’ll see one of these options.
Click the functions displayed in green here below:
5. Clear website cache via a caching plugin
Usually, a caching plugin is active on your site, providing a menu option in your WordPress admin bar. Here’s how it appears for LiteSpeed, WP Rocket, WPoptimize and SiteGroud Optimizer. Use it to clear the cache directly via the plugin.
In your corresponding menu, click on the function shown in green below to clear the cache.
6. Advanced: Clear CDN Cache
If using a Content Delivery Network (CDN) such as Cloudflare or BunnyCDN, your website files are stored on multiple servers worldwide for faster access. Sometimes there’s an option in the WordPress admin bar to clear the cache from these servers.
If not, do this:
- Log in to your CDN service or web hosting.
- Look for the option ‘Clear Cache’ or ‘Purge Cache’ and click it.
7. Restart the router
Occasionally, cache files get stored on a local network, like your internet router. For persistent issues, restarting your home router can help. Look for the power button or unplug it for 10 seconds. Wait for everything to restart. Very old-school this!
Summary
These are the steps to solve caching problems. Start with step 1 and check the result after each step, as not all steps might be necessary. You’ll often find a combination of, for example, steps 3 and 4 suffice.
Need more help?
Remember to clear the cache first with any issues, as it can make a big difference, especially when your site is still under development. If your website’s display is still not correct, contact your web designer or hosting provider for support.
