Fix the WP_CACHE Warning in WordPress: Easy Tutorial Beginner

🧠 If you’re just starting with WordPress and see the message “Advanced caching plugin. Inactive: Requires define('WP_CACHE', true); in wp-config.php file,” don’t worry! This guide will walk you step-by-step through fixing the issue even if you’ve never edited a file before.

🔍 What is caching in WordPress?

Caching is a method to make your WordPress site load faster by storing static versions of your pages. Instead of generating each page from scratch every time, WordPress serves a ready-made version to visitors. This greatly improves speed and reduces server load.

❗ Understanding the error message

When you activate a caching plugin like LiteSpeed Cache, W3 Total Cache, or WP Super Cache, it creates a file named advanced-cache.php inside the wp-content folder.

However, for that file to actually work, WordPress needs a specific instruction in your configuration file (wp-config.php). That instruction is:

define('WP_CACHE', true);

If this line is missing, the plugin can’t activate caching, and you’ll see this warning:

Advanced caching plugin. Inactive: Requires define(‘WP_CACHE’, true); in wp-config.php file.

🧑‍🏫 Step-by-step guide for beginners

1. Access your WordPress files

Log in to your hosting account and:

• Open cPanel or your file manager.
• Alternatively, use an FTP client like FileZilla.

2. Locate the wp-config.php file

• Navigate to the root folder of your WordPress site.
• You’ll find this file alongside folders like wp-admin, wp-content, and wp-includes.

3. Edit wp-config.php

1. Right-click on the wp-config.php file and select Edit.
2. Find the very first line that looks like this: <?php
3. Immediately after that line, insert the following: define('WP_CACHE', true);

⚠️ Important: Do not add this line twice. If you see define('WP_CACHE', false);, change false to true.

4. Save the file

After making the edit, click Save Changes (or similar button).

✅ Confirm it’s working

1. Go back to your WordPress dashboard.
2. The warning message should now be gone.
3. Your caching plugin should show as active.

🔁 If you no longer want to use caching

1. Deactivate the caching plugin from your WordPress dashboard.
2. Delete the advanced-cache.php file from the wp-content folder.
3. Remove or comment out this line in wp-config.php: define('WP_CACHE', true);

⭐ Beginner-friendly caching plugins

• LiteSpeed Cache – perfect if your server uses LiteSpeed.
• WP Super Cache – ideal for beginners, easy setup.
• W3 Total Cache – very powerful, more advanced options.

❓ Why is caching important?

• Boosts your website’s loading speed.
• Improves user experience.
• Helps with SEO rankings.
• Reduces server load during traffic spikes.

📩 Got questions or suggestions? Drop a comment or contact us directly!

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