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How to purge cache?

You can clear all pages or target specific URLs using the Cache Manager or API.

Overview

Over time, you may need to refresh your cached content, especially after deploying updates, correcting metadata, or fixing rendering issues. Prerender allows you to purge your entire cache or selectively remove specific URLs to ensure bots and users see the most up-to-date version of your site.

This is especially important for SEO-driven websites, where search engines rely on consistently fresh prerendered content for indexing. This guide walks you through both full and partial cache clearing options.

Possible Causes / Scenarios

  • You recently updated your site’s content or layout and need to ensure bots see the changes.
  • You have outdated or stale URLs in your Prerender cache that shouldn’t be served anymore.
  • You want to test an uncached version of your site to verify fixes.

Solution Steps / Troubleshooting Guide

Full Cache Purge via the Dashboard

  1. Log into your Prerender Dashboard.
  2. Go to the Cache Manager menu.
  3. Click the Clear Cache button at the top right of the screen.
  4. In the modal that appears, type clear cache into the confirmation field.
  5. Click the confirmation button labeled "Yes, I understand the consequences".

This action will immediately delete all cached URLs within your selected domain. Use with caution.

Partial Cache Purge Using Wildcards

  1. From the same Clear Cache modal, enter a wildcard expression in the text box (e.g., https://your-site.com/blog/*).
  2. Click "Clear Partial Cache..." to preview matching URLs.
  3. Review the list of matching URLs that will be cleared.
  4. If satisfied, confirm to proceed with the deletion of matched entries only.

This is useful for cache-busting content under a specific path without wiping the entire cache.

Programmatic Option: Use the API

You can also clear cache programmatically by using the /cache-clear API endpoint that allows partial or full deletion via API calls.

View cache-clear API documentation.

Additional Tips / Best Practices

  • Set up a recurring cache expiration strategy using TTLs to avoid stale content automatically.
  • If you use Ignore Rules, make sure excluded URLs are not affecting the purge process.
  • Always confirm after purging by viewing the page and checking for a Cache Miss.

When to Contact Support

If you're unable to clear the cache as expected or the dashboard isn't showing purged results:

  • Send a screenshot of the issue or cache modal to support@prerender.io
  • Include the domain name and the wildcard or URL you attempted to purge
  • Mention if you’re using the API or dashboard to trigger the purge

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