Have you ever changed a photo or PDF on your website only to reload the page and see... nothing change? You're not alone. This common frustration is often caused by browser caching, and the good news is: it's easy to fix.
What Is Browser Caching?
When you visit a website, your browser saves parts of it—like images, styles, and scripts—on your device. This is called caching, and it helps websites load faster the next time you visit.
But there's a catch.
Caching can sometimes cause your browser to load an older version of a website, even after you’ve made updates. That’s why your changes might not appear right away.
The Solution: A Hard Refresh
A hard refresh forces your browser to clear the stored cache for a page and reload the most current version. It’s a simple fix that can save a lot of confusion.
Here’s how to do it:
Chrome or Firefox
Safari (Mac):
After doing this, your browser should display the updated content correctly.
When Should You Use a Hard Refresh?
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You’ve made changes to your website but don’t see them reflected
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A page looks broken or out of sync with recent updates
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You want to troubleshoot a display issue
A Final Note
While caching is essential for speed and performance, it can occasionally get in the way during website updates. If you ever feel stuck or aren’t seeing changes, try a hard refresh—or reach out to our team at GoWeb1 if you need extra guideance. We’re always here to help make sure your site looks and performs its best!