Identify and fix caching problems

If websites do not display content as expected or seemingly ignore changes, the cause is often a caching problem. This article explains what caching is, which systems may be involved and how you can fix the problem yourself.

What does ‘caching’ actually mean?

‘Caching’ is a technique in which content (e.g. web pages, images or scripts) is stored temporarily to improve loading times. This works usually works smoothly, but it can also lead to outdated content being displayed even though the page has already changed.

Typical sources of caching problems

Caching can take place at several levels. Here are the most common causes:

1. Browser cache
   Your browser stores content locally on your device to load pages faster.
2. Proxy or network infrastructure
   In corporate networks, proxy servers or load balancers are often used to .
3. Provider or CDN caches
   Internet providers or content delivery networks (CDNs) also store pages temporarily.
4. Security software (virus scanners, firewalls)
   Modern security solutions have functions such as web protection, HTTPS scanning or traffic analysis, which can cache or modify content before it is displayed. This means that outdated or blocked content may be loaded even though new data is already available on the server.

What can you do?

The following measures usually help:

1. Hard Reload – completely reload the page
   • Windows: Ctrl + F5 or Ctrl + Shift + R
   • Mac: Cmd + Shift + R
2. Clear your browser cache
   • Your browser settings Privacy & Security Delete browsing data Clear cache.
3. Open the page in incognito/private mode
4. If the page works correctly there, the problem is most likely caused by the cache or an extension.
5. Check security software
   • If a security solution is active, test briefly whether the behaviour changes if:
   • the web protection is disabled,
   • or the page is added to the exception list.
   • You can usually find information on how to do this on your software provider's website.
6. Bypass network components
   • Test whether the problem persists on a different device or outside the company network (e.g. on a mobile network).

Why we can't intervene directly

Many of these caching mechanisms are external to our system – in particular, browser data, security software or network infrastructures. Unfortunately, we therefore have no direct influence over whether an outdated version of a page is displayed locally on your device .

However, we are happy to help you troubleshoot!