WP Rocket Cache Not Working? Troubleshooting Steps
WP Rocket is a powerful caching plugin for WordPress, designed to boost website speed. However, sometimes you might encounter situations where it appears the cache isn't working correctly. This can manifest as slow loading times, outdated content being displayed, or incorrect cache stats. Don't panic! Here's a systematic approach to diagnose and fix the issue.
Initial Checks and Quick Fixes
Before diving deep, perform these initial checks:
- Clear Browser Cache: Press Ctrl+Shift+Delete (Windows) or Cmd+Shift+Delete (Mac) to clear your browser's cached data. This ensures you're seeing the latest version of your site.
- Verify WP Rocket Status: Ensure WP Rocket is active and licensed under the Plugins page in your WordPress dashboard.
- Check Plugin Updates: Make sure WP Rocket and all other plugins are up-to-date. Outdated plugins can cause compatibility issues.
- Basic Configuration: Confirm that basic caching options are enabled within WP Rocket, such as page caching and browser caching.
Advanced Troubleshooting and Solutions
If the initial checks don't resolve the issue, proceed with these advanced steps:
- Exclude Problematic Pages/Files: Some plugins or custom code might conflict with WP Rocket. Identify problematic pages or files (e.g., dynamic content, membership areas) and exclude them from caching under the "Advanced Rules" tab. You can exclude URLs, cookies, or user agents.
- Database Optimization: A bloated database can slow down your site. Use WP Rocket's database optimization features (under the "Database" tab) to clean up unnecessary data like post revisions and transients. Schedule regular database cleanups for optimal performance.
- CDN Configuration: If using a CDN (Content Delivery Network), ensure it's properly integrated with WP Rocket. Check the CDN tab in WP Rocket settings and verify that your CDN URLs are correctly configured. Purge your CDN cache after making changes.
- Server-Side Caching Conflicts: Some hosting providers enable server-side caching. These can conflict with WP Rocket. Contact your hosting provider to disable or configure server-side caching appropriately. For example, if you're on SiteGround, their SG Optimizer plugin might need adjustments.
- Check .htaccess File: In rare cases, the .htaccess file might be corrupted. WP Rocket automatically modifies this file. If you suspect issues, check for unusual entries or errors within the file. You can access it via FTP or your hosting file manager.
If, after trying these steps, WP Rocket still isn't caching correctly, consider temporarily disabling other plugins to rule out compatibility conflicts. If the issue resolves, reactivate plugins one by one to identify the culprit. Remember to clear your cache after each adjustment. If all else fails, reach out to WP Rocket's support team for assistance. They usually respond within 24-48 hours.