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How to Clear Cache and Temporary Files in cPanel (Fix Speed & Display Issues Fast)

PostedApril 13, 2025
UpdatedApril 14, 2025
ByServers9

Is your website showing old content, loading slowly, or behaving strangely after updates? It could be due to cached files or temporary data piling up on the server.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to clear cache and temporary files in cPanel to speed up your site, free up space, and fix display problems — all without advanced technical knowledge.

✅ Why Clear Cache & Temporary Files?

  • 🧠 Refreshes your website after changes (like design or code edits)
  • 🚀 Improves performance by removing outdated or unnecessary files
  • 🔧 Fixes errors like broken layouts, redirect loops, or stuck updates
  • 📂 Frees up disk space on your hosting account

🚀 Methods to Clear Cache and Temp Files in cPanel

Let’s explore the most effective ways to clear cache and temp data using cPanel’s built-in tools:

1️⃣ Delete Cached Files Manually via File Manager

Many content management systems (e.g., WordPress, Joomla, etc.) store cache files in specific folders.

How to Do It:

  1. Log in to cPanel
  2. Go to File Manager under the Files section
  3. Navigate to your CMS’s cache folder:
    • WordPress: public_html/wp-content/cache/
    • Joomla: public_html/cache/
  4. Select and delete all contents inside the cache folder (do not delete the folder itself)

⚠️ Make sure your website’s caching plugin (if any) is deactivated temporarily during manual deletion.

2️⃣ Clear Temporary Files in /tmp Folder

Some hosts store system-generated temp files in a /tmp directory.

How to Do It:

  1. In File Manager, go to: swiftCopyEdit/home/yourusername/tmp/
  2. Delete all unnecessary files inside — especially session or cached files that are weeks old

💡 This helps free up space and resolve certain session-related issues.

3️⃣ Clear Cache from Installed Applications

If you’re using a CMS like WordPress with caching plugins (e.g., LiteSpeed Cache, W3 Total Cache, WP Super Cache), always use the plugin’s built-in Clear Cache button from your admin dashboard.

However, if you cannot access the dashboard:

  • Delete plugin-generated cache files via File Manager
  • Or rename the plugin folder temporarily to force it to clear

4️⃣ Restart Caching Services (Advanced)

If your host provides services like LiteSpeed, Redis, or Varnish, you may need to:

  • Restart cache from your hosting panel
  • Clear server-side cache (ask your hosting support if unsure)

🔄 When Should You Clear Cache?

  • After making design or code changes
  • When switching themes or plugins
  • During troubleshooting display or layout issues
  • If your hosting space is nearly full

🧠 Pro Tips

  • Set a regular schedule to clean cache (weekly/monthly)
  • Use caching plugins with built-in purge options
  • Don’t delete core folders — only the files inside cache or temp directories
  • Always back up your site before bulk deletions

Clearing cache and temporary files in cPanel is a simple yet powerful way to keep your website fast, updated, and clutter-free. It solves many common issues and should be part of your routine maintenance.

Need help finding which cache files to delete or running out of disk space? Contact our support team — we’re here to help.

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