Overview
The following describes how to set up and use WP Super Cache on a WordPress website.
DreamPress sites do not need to install WP Super Cache, as caching plugins and optimizations are preinstalled and preconfigured by default.
Background
Though WordPress is extremely versatile, your site may run less efficiently when it begins to receive more traffic. WP-Super Cache helps improve your site's overall performance by creating a static file cache of your site and loading that instead of using PHP to generate a page.
How to install WP Super Cache
You are able to install when creating a new WordPress site, or into an existing WordPress site.
Installing to a new site
To install WP Super Cache via the WordPress installer in the panel:
- Navigate to the Install WordPress page.
- Use the WordPress installer to create a new WordPress site.
- When the Recommended Plugins page appears, make sure the checkbox for WP Super Cache is checked. You may need to click the Show All link at the bottom to view all of the available plugins.
- Continue with the WordPress installation process, and then use the steps in the following section to activate the WP Super Cache plugin.
Installing to an existing site
Use the following instructions only if WP Super Cache was not previously installed.
Disable caching plugins
If you have previously installed any other caching plugin, you should disable and remove it before installing WP Super Cache. In general, double caching is not recommended and can create conflicts that could slow down your WordPress site.
To remove previously installed caching plugins, log into WordPress and click Plugins in the left menu to view and edit.
Install WP Super Cache
There are two options to install.
Option 1 — Install from WordPress
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To download and install the WP Super Cache plugin from within the WordPress site's administration panel:
- Log into the WordPress admin dashboard.
- Navigate to Plugins > Add New.
- Towards the top right of the screen, search for 'WP Super Cache' (or, wp-super-cache).
- Once located, click the Install Now button.
- WP Super Cache installs and allows you to immediately activate it.
Option 2 — Install in the DreamHost panel
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To download, install, activate, and configure the WP Super Cache plugin automatically for an eligible WordPress site using the DreamHost panel:
- Log into the DreamHost panel.
- Navigate to the Manage Websites page.
- Click the Manage button to open the Domain Settings page, which allows you to adjust various settings for your site.
- Click the WordPress tab.
- Toggle the Page Caching option to the on position.
- A message confirms Page Caching is being configured and may take up to 20 minutes to complete.
- If the installation fails, another message appears, letting you know that it was not able to complete and to contact support for assistance.
Activate WP Super Cache
After installing WP Super Cache, activate it by navigating to Plugins > Installed Plugins and clicking the Activate link.
If WP Super Cache fails to install, WordPress will provide links to its own troubleshooting documents.
Deleting the cache
To delete your stored cache:
- Log into the WordPress admin dashboard.
- Navigate to the Settings > WP Super Cache section.
- Scroll down and click the Delete Cache button.
See also
DreamHost links
Third-party links