If you are speeding up and securing your website using Cloudflare, you may need to clear the cache from time to time. Especially if you have made design changes, file updates, or bug fixes on your website, clearing the cache is a critical operation to prevent visitors from being presented with old data. In this article, we explain in detail and step by step how to clear the cache via the Cloudflare panel.
What is Cloudflare Cache Clearing?
Cloudflare stores static content (HTML, CSS, JS, images) on its own servers, allowing your site to open faster for visitors. However, sometimes changes are not reflected immediately. The cache clearing process deletes this old content, ensuring that visitors see the most up-to-date version.
Cloudflare Cache Clearing Steps
1. Log in to your Cloudflare Account
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Log in with your email and password.
2. Select the Relevant Website
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After logging in, select the domain name you want to clear the cache for.
3. Go to Cache Settings
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Click on the Caching tab in the left menu.
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Here you will see the "Configuration" and "Purge Cache" sections.
4. Choose a Cache Clearing Method
Method | Description |
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Purge Everything | Clears the entire cache. (Recommended, quick solution) |
Custom Purge | Allows you to clear specific URLs or file types. |
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If you want to clear the entire site, click the "Purge Everything" button.
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If you only want to clear specific files (e.g. a CSS file), enter the relevant URLs with Custom Purge.
5. Confirm the Operation
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A warning screen will appear. You can start the cleaning by saying "Confirm" or "Approve".
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The process will take a few seconds, and then the old data will be cleared from the Cloudflare cache.
When Should Cache Clearing Be Done?
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When a website design or content update is made
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When a new product or service is added
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After site errors are fixed
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When performance problems or incorrect image/file uploads occur
Advanced Cache Management Tips
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Development Mode: By activating development mode, you can temporarily test instant changes without cache.
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By optimizing Cache TTL (Time To Live) settings, you can determine how long content will remain in the cache.
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You can exclude specific pages from the cache using Page Rules.
Conclusion
Clearing the Cloudflare cache is a simple but effective process to ensure that your site always presents the most up-to-date and error-free version to visitors. By following the steps above, you can easily resolve cache-related issues and optimize your website's performance.