Caching on WP Engine
How WP Engine's built-in caching (EverCache) works, why it matters for site speed, and when and how to clear the cache.
WP Engine includes a powerful built-in caching system called EverCache. It stores ready-made copies of your pages so they load faster for every visitor. Understanding how it works helps you know when to clear it — and why you sometimes see stale content after making updates.
Quick summary
WP Engine's EverCache system automatically stores cached versions of your pages, making your site load faster without any setup. After you make significant changes to your site, clearing the cache ensures visitors see the latest version. This can be done in one click from the User Portal or from WordPress admin.
What is caching?
When a visitor loads a page on your WordPress site, the server normally:
- Runs PHP code
- Queries the database for your content
- Assembles the page
- Sends it to the visitor
This takes time — especially for complex pages. Caching skips most of this by storing a pre-built copy of the page and serving that instead. The result is much faster page loads.
How EverCache works
WP Engine's EverCache is a server-level caching system, meaning it runs outside WordPress — making it faster and more efficient than plugin-based caching.
EverCache:
- Automatically caches pages when they're first loaded.
- Serves cached versions to subsequent visitors.
- Automatically clears (invalidates) cached pages when content is updated in WordPress.
- Has intelligent rules that bypass caching for logged-in users and dynamic content (like WooCommerce cart pages).
When to clear the cache manually
In most cases, the cache clears itself automatically. But occasionally you may need to clear it manually:
- After a major design change that isn't showing up for visitors
- After updating plugin settings that affect page output
- After changing server-side configurations
- If a visitor reports seeing outdated content
How to clear the WP Engine cache
WP Engine installs a plugin called "WP Engine System" in WordPress. From the WordPress admin:
Log in to WordPress admin.
Look for the WP Engine menu item in the WordPress sidebar — often labeled "WP Engine" or accessible from the top admin bar.
Click "Purge All Caches" or a similarly labeled button.
Wait a few seconds, then reload your site to confirm the updated content is showing.
Log in to the WP Engine User Portal at my.wpengine.com.
Open your site and select the Production environment.
Find the Caching section — usually in the site's management sidebar.
Click "Purge all caches."
Reload your website to verify the changes are showing.
Pages that are never cached
WP Engine intelligently bypasses the cache for:
- Pages with query strings (e.g. search results)
- Pages for logged-in users
- Cart and checkout pages (WooCommerce)
- Pages with active WordPress login sessions
This means your experience as a logged-in site editor may not reflect what visitors see. Always check your site in an incognito/private browser window to see the cached version that visitors experience.
Common questions
Related guides
- The WP Engine User Portal explained
- What is a CDN?
- Caching on Kinsta
- Hosting & speed
- My changes aren't showing up
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