If you’ve updated a WordPress page or post but still see the old version on the frontend, you’re not alone. “WordPress showing old content after updates” is one of the most common issues bloggers, developers, and business website owners face. And the problem usually comes down to caching — but caching isn’t always the only culprit.
Sometimes it’s your browser, sometimes your CDN, sometimes your hosting server cache, and sometimes even plugin conflicts or database issues.
This ultimate guide solves every single reason WordPress might show outdated content — and gives you step-by-step solutions to fix it permanently.
Why WordPress Shows Old Content After Updates
Before fixing anything, it’s important to know why it happens.
Here are the most common reasons:
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Browser cache storing old page
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WordPress caching plugins storing outdated files
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Server-level caching from your host
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CDN caching, especially Cloudflare
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Object cache not refreshing
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Page builders storing cached CSS/JS
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Plugin conflicts
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Theme caching system
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Database not updating
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PHP OPCache storing old scripts
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Mobile caching showing a different version
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Cache from security plugins
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Misconfigured .htaccess rules
In this guide, you’ll get solutions for ALL of these.
1. Clear Your Browser Cache
This is the simplest step, yet often forgotten.
Your browser stores old HTML, images, CSS, and JavaScript so websites load faster. But when you update your content, your browser may still show the old version.
Solution: Hard Refresh
Windows:
Ctrl + Shift + R
Mac:
Cmd + Shift + R
Or clear browser cache manually.
2. Clear Cache From Your WordPress Caching Plugin
If you use plugins like:
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WP Super Cache
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W3 Total Cache
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LiteSpeed Cache
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WP Fastest Cache
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FlyingPress
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NitroPack
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Autoptimize (CSS/JS caching)
These plugins often store cached HTML pages, causing WordPress to show old content. If you want to explore the best caching solutions for WordPress, you can check this helpful list of recommended plugins: Best WordPress Caching Plugins.
Fix: Clear Plugin Cache
Examples:
LiteSpeed Cache
Go to:
LiteSpeed Cache → Toolbox → Purge All
W3 Total Cache
Performance → Purge All Caches
WP Super Cache
Settings → WP Super Cache → Delete Cache
WP Fastest Cache
Click Delete Cache button in dashboard.
NitroPack
Click Purge Cache inside NitroPack dashboard.
3. Clear Hosting-Level Server Cache
Some hosting companies store full-page cache, even if you don’t use a plugin.
Hosts with aggressive caching:
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SiteGround (Dynamic Cache)
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Bluehost
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Hostinger
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GoDaddy
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Cloudways (Varnish Cache)
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WP Engine
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Kinsta
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A2 Hosting
How to Clear Host Cache
SiteGround
Go to:
Site Tools → Speed → Caching → Flush Cache
Cloudways
Disable or purge Varnish cache.
WP Engine
Click the “Purge All Caches” button in the admin bar.
If you can’t find it, ask hosting support to clear it.
4. Purge CDN Cache (Cloudflare, BunnyCDN, StackPath)
If you use a CDN, it might be showing cached copies of your old content.
Cloudflare Fix
Go to:
Caching → Configuration → Purge Everything
This forces Cloudflare to fetch your new content.
BunnyCDN / StackPath
Open your CDN dashboard and purge cache or specific URLs.
5. Clear OPCache (PHP Cache)
Your server may be running OPCache, which caches PHP files — including theme files, templates, and plugin code.
If you updated theme files, functions.php, or templates, but WordPress still shows old results, OPCache may be the issue.
Solution: Ask your host to flush OPCache
OR add this PHP script (temporarily):
Upload it as clear-opcache.php, visit the file, then delete it immediately.
6. Disable Object Cache (Redis / Memcached)
If your host uses:
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Redis
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Memcached
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Object Cache Pro
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LiteSpeed Memcached
Then your database queries may be cached.
Fix: Purge Object Cache
If using Redis Object Cache plugin:
Tools → Redis → Flush Cache
If using LiteSpeed:
LiteSpeed Cache → Toolbox → Purge All → Purge All – Including Object Cache
7. Regenerate CSS/JS in Page Builders
Page builders often store cached minified files. If your issue is specifically related to CSS not updating or styles not loading properly, you can follow this in-depth troubleshooting guide: Troubleshoot WordPress CSS Not Loading Properly.
Elementor Fix
Go to:
Elementor → Tools → Regenerate CSS & Data
Toggle OFF “CSS Print Method” → Save → Toggle back ON (optional).
Divi Fix
Divi → Theme Options → Builder → Advanced → Clear Static CSS File
WPBakery Fix
No direct option — but clearing your main cache plugin usually works. If you’re deciding which builder to use or want to compare their features, you can explore this full guide: Top WordPress Page Builders.
8. Disable the Cache in Security Plugins
Security plugins like:
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Sucuri
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Wordfence
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iThemes Security
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All In One Security
may store cached pages.
Sucuri Fix
Dashboard → Clear Cache
Or purge from Sucuri panel. If you’re looking for reliable tools to harden your site and avoid security-related content issues, here’s a full list of the best options: Best WordPress Security Plugins.
9. Fix Mobile Caching Issues
Some caching plugins generate two different cached pages:
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Desktop page
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Mobile page
Sometimes the mobile version doesn’t update.
Solution
Ensure “Separate Cache for Mobile” is enabled in your cache plugin.
For LiteSpeed Cache:
Cache → Cache → Mobile Cache → ON
10. Fix .htaccess Caching Issues
Sometimes old caching rules stay in your .htaccess file.
Reset .htaccess
Go to WordPress:
Settings → Permalinks → Save Changes
This rebuilds .htaccess.
Or manually replace it with:
11. Disable Optimization Plugins If They Conflict
Plugins that minify or combine files may store old CSS/JS:
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Autoptimize
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Async JavaScript
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SG Optimizer
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LiteSpeed Optimization Tabs
Temporarily disable them and check again.
12. Fix Database Not Updating
If the database isn’t saving changes:
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The post may be stuck in revision
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You may have a database corruption
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A plugin may be preventing updates
Reinstall WordPress Core (Safe)
Go to:
Dashboard → Updates → Re-install WordPress
This won’t affect content.
Repair Database
Add this line in wp-config.php:
Visit:yourdomain.com/wp-admin/maint/repair.php
Click Repair Database, then remove the line from wp-config. If you suspect the issue is being caused by a deeper database problem, you can follow this full guide that explains common causes and solutions: WordPress Database Corruption: Causes, Prevention & Fixes.
13. Fix Theme Caching
Some premium themes come with their own caching layer:
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Avada
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Astra
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Newspaper
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GeneratePress
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Flatsome
Check theme settings → Performance → Clear cache or regeneration options.
14. Fix Plugin Conflicts
One misbehaving plugin can overwrite revisions or prevent updates. If you’re experiencing issues specifically with the Classic Editor not saving or not loading properly, you can follow this detailed guide: How to Fix WordPress Classic Editor Not Working.
Test Plugins
Disable all plugins → Check content → Enable one-by-one. If you cannot access your WordPress admin to deactivate plugins normally, this guide explains how to disable WordPress plugins without admin access.
If an optimization or caching plugin caused the issue, replace it.
15. Fix WordPress Transients
Transients store temporary cached data in the database.
To clear them, install this developer tool:
Transients Manager plugin
Or clear using WP-CLI:
16. Set Proper Cache-Control Headers
If your host or CDN forces caching, you need proper headers.
Add this inside .htaccess:
This forces fresh content always.
17. Disable Full Page Cache for Logged-in Users
WordPress admin should never see cached pages.
If you’re editing pages while logged in but still see old content, your caching plugin is configured incorrectly.
Fix
Enable this setting:
Do NOT cache pages for logged-in users
All major caching plugins provide this option.
18. Use Version Query Strings for CSS/JS
If CSS changes don’t show, force browsers to load the new version.
Example:
This ensures no old CSS loads.
19. Disable Cloudflare HTML Caching Rules
If you created a Page Rule like:
Cache Everything
Cloudflare will show cached HTML.
Fix
Delete that rule OR create a bypass rule:
20. Fix Theme & Plugin File Editing Not Updating
If you edit files through FTP but still see old versions, your server may have caching at multiple layers:
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NGINX cache
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FastCGI cache
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Cloudflare
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Browser
Try bypassing with a query string:
/?nocache=1
If it works, caching is the issue.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Why is my WordPress site not showing updated content?
This usually happens due to caching at the browser, plugin, hosting, CDN, or server level. Clearing all cache layers usually fixes the issue.
2. How do I force WordPress to refresh the page?
Use hard refresh (Ctrl + Shift + R) and clear caching plugin + CDN cache.
3. How do I stop WordPress from caching pages?
Disable caching plugins, purge server cache, and configure CDN to bypass caching for logged-in users or editors.
4. Why is Elementor not updating changes?
Because of cached CSS files. Regenerate CSS and purge cache from Elementor Tools.
5. My WordPress CSS not updating. Why?
Due to minified or cached CSS files. Clear Autoptimize, LiteSpeed, or theme cache.
6. Does Cloudflare cause old content?
Yes. If “Cache Everything” is enabled, Cloudflare may show outdated HTML copies.
7. Does OPCache cause WordPress to show old versions?
Yes. PHP OPCache can store old PHP files. Reset OPCache to fix.
8. Are my WordPress revisions causing old content?
No, revisions only store previous versions; they don’t affect frontend content. You can also check my detailed guide on solving another related issue here:
How to Fix WordPress Not Displaying Post Revisions, which explains what to do when WordPress revisions fail to appear in the editor.
9. I’ve tried everything but WordPress still shows old content. What can I do?
A: If none of the troubleshooting steps work, you can hire expert help to fix your site immediately: Get emergency WordPress support.
