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Improving the speed of your WordPress website is crucial for handling increasing traffic without overloading server resources. Caching plays a key role in achieving this, with different types like page and browser caching. While Cloudways already provides external object caching solutions like Redis and Memcached at the server level, Object Cache Pro takes caching to the next level within your WordPress application.
By partnering with Object Cache Pro, Cloudways leverages cutting-edge Redis-powered object caching and compression technology, enhancing the caching capabilities directly within WordPress applications.
Tip
Did you happen to know? The Breeze plugin by Cloudways excels in managing various caching types and fine-tuning your WordPress applications for optimal performance.
In this guide, we'll explore how you can enhance your WordPress website's performance using the Object Cache Pro plugin. Let's dive in and optimize your WordPress application for speed and efficiency.
What is Object Caching
WordPress relies heavily on its database, making the efficacy and efficiency of the WordPress application critical to its performance.
Object caching is a technique that involves storing database query results, enabling future requests for the same data to be served directly from the cache without the need to query the database again. This approach significantly reduces the workload on the database and server, resulting in faster query delivery and improved overall performance.
Support Scope for Object Cache Pro
Cloudways support scope is limited to installing the Object Cache Pro plugin and Redis for supported WordPress applications. Website owners are supposed to handle other configurations and modifications.
Installation-related support is also limited for servers running PHP 7.4 or higher, according to the server requirements.
Object Cache Pro Compatibility and Default Configurations
The Object Cache Pro plugin comes pre-installed and activated with the following WordPress applications when you launch them on a new or existing server, provided that the Redis service is enabled on the existing server. New servers already have Redis service enabled by default.
Cloudways-optimized WordPress
WooCommerce
WordPress Multisite
WordPress Bundle Installation (Astra)
The Object Cache Pro plugin is compatible with the Clean WordPress application, although it isn't pre-installed or included by default. To use this plugin, you'll need to follow the installation steps provided below.
Important
Installing the Object Cache Pro plugin may cause conflicts if you already have another object caching plugin installed. In such instances, removing the existing plugin is essential before leveraging the benefits of Object Cache Pro.
How to Install Object Cache Pro Plugin
You can follow these straightforward steps to install the Object Cache Pro plugin for your WordPress applications. Please ensure that your server meets the specified requirements beforehand.
Important
Object Cache Pro is only available on Cloudways New Interface.
Server Requirements
Service: Redis
(By default, Redis service is enabled on Cloudways servers. If it's not enabled, you must enable it.)
PHP: Minimum 7.4 or higher
(By default, Cloudways servers are shipped with PHP 8.1 as the default version. If your server is running on a PHP version older than 7.4, you need to upgrade the PHP version.)
Step-by-Step Guide
Log in to the Cloudways Platform using your email address and password.
From the top menu bar, click Servers.
Then, choose the target server where your desired application is deployed.
Next, click www.
Select your application.
Next, select Application Settings and switch to the WordPress Settings tab.
Here, Enable Object Cache Pro.
Next, you will be asked to confirm the selection. Therefore, click Confirm.
That's it! The Object Cache Pro plugin will automatically be installed and activated on your WordPress application.
Important
If you choose to disable (or stop) the Redis service on your server, the Object Cache Plugin will be automatically deactivated from all applications hosted on that server, but the plugin will remain installed on your WordPress app.
How to Use Object Cache Pro Plugin
Cloudways automatically configures the Object Cache Pro plugin upon installation. You can perform essential actions to fine-tune your caching strategy by visiting your plugin Dashboard. You can manage cache status, inspect cache size, review cache metrics, and flush cache.
You can also use built-in site health diagnostics and logs to troubleshoot caching issues. With these comprehensive features, you can ensure optimal caching performance.
First, sign in to your WordPress admin panel using your credentials. Your admin panel URL and credentials are also available on the Cloudways Platform.
Next, visit Plugins > Installed Plugins in your WordPress admin panel.
Next, under Object Cache Pro, click Settings to access the dashboard, where you can view the manage cache status, inspect cache size, review cache metrics, flush cache, and view logs to troubleshoot caching issues.
On the other hand, the Health section provides comprehensive insights into your WordPress configuration and highlights any areas requiring your attention using the built-in site health feature.
How to Deactivate Object Cache Pro Plugin
If you choose to disable (or stop) the Redis service on your server, the Object Cache Plugin will be automatically deactivated from all applications hosted on that server, but the plugin will remain installed on your WordPress app.
If you wish to deactivate the Object Cache Pro plugin on a specific application, you can do so by following these steps:
Log in to the Cloudways Platform using your email address and password.
From the top menu bar, click Servers.
Then, choose the target server where your desired application is deployed.
Next, click www.
Select your application.
Next, select Application Settings and switch to the WordPress Settings tab.
Here, simply Disable Object Cache Pro.
Next, you will be asked to confirm the selection. Therefore, click Confirm.
The Object Cache Pro plugin will be deactivated and removed from your WordPress application.
Tip
WordPress relies heavily on database performance for smooth operation. Particularly for robust websites or WooCommerce stores, activating persistent object caching with the Object Cache Pro plugin is essential. This plugin enhances your application's resilience and speed by caching database-intensive tasks while conserving resources.
That's it! We hope this tutorial was helpful. If you need any help, then feel free to search your query on Cloudways Support Center or contact us via chat (Need a Hand > Send us a Message). Alternatively, you can also create a support ticket.
FAQs
Is the Object Cache Pro plugin free to use?
Indeed, the Object Cache Pro plugin is complimentary for Cloudways customers utilizing supported WordPress applications.
Can I use this plugin on a clean WordPress installation?
You can use the Object Cache Pro plugin on a clean WordPress installation. While it's not pre-installed or included by default, the plugin is compatible with Clean WordPress applications. If you wish to use it, you'll need to follow the installation steps.
How can I update the Object Cache Pro plugin?
Whenever new updates are available from the plugin developer, you can update the plugin to its latest version at your convenience.
I already have an object caching plugin installed. Can I still install the Object Cache Pro plugin?
Installing the Object Cache Pro plugin may cause conflicts if you already have another object caching plugin installed. In such instances, removing the existing plugin is essential before leveraging the benefits of Object Cache Pro.
Below is the list of some common object caching plugins you must remove before installing the Object Cache Pro plugin.
Memcached Redux
Memcached Object Cache
Redis Object Cache
Cachify
WP Redis
I have the free Redis Object Cache plugin; how can I switch to the Object Cache Pro plugin?
If you currently have the free Redis Object Cache plugin installed and wish to switch to the Object Cache Pro plugin, you can uninstall it and then install the Object Cache Pro plugin using the Cloudways Platform.
Can I use this plugin with Breeze or any other page caching plugin (e.g., WP Rocket, Swift Performance, etc.)?
The Object Cache Pro plugin is specifically designed for object caching. It can be seamlessly integrated with various page caching plugins without compatibility issues.
Supported page caching plugins include:
WP Rocket
WP Fastest Cache
Swift Performance
WP Super Cache
Cache Enabler
WP-Optimize
Moreover, the Object Cache Pro plugin can be utilized alongside any other page caching plugins that do not offer object caching functionality. This ensures you can enhance your website's performance while maintaining compatibility with your preferred caching solutions.
How can I use the Object Cache Pro plugin with page caching plugins offering object caching?
In such scenarios, you'll need to disable the object caching settings within the respective plugin's dashboard before installing the Object Cache Pro plugin. Some of the plugins that provide both page and object caching functionality include:
W3 Total Cache
LiteSpeed Cache
By disabling the object caching settings in these plugins, you can easily integrate the Object Cache Pro plugin to enhance your website's performance.
Should I use Varnish or Redis? Which one is better?
Varnish Cache, often called "Varnish," is a server-side page caching mechanism, while Redis powers up object caching using the Object Cache Pro plugin in your WordPress application.
You can utilize Varnish and Redis simultaneously, as both caching mechanisms serve different purposes to enhance your website's performance.
Where is the analytics section of the Object Cache Pro plugin?
The analytics section of the Object Cache Pro plugin is conveniently available from the plugin dashboard. By navigating to the Object Cache Pro settings, you can access various features such as managing cache status, inspecting cache size, reviewing cache metrics, flushing cache, and even viewing logs to troubleshoot caching issues.
I have a server running PHP 7.3 (or lower), so how can I install the Object Cache Pro plugin?
If your server runs PHP 7.3 or lower, it does not meet the requirements for installing the Object Cache Pro plugin. You must upgrade to PHP 7.4 or higher to install the plugin.
Will the Object Cache Pro plugin remain active if I downgrade the PHP version to 7.3 or lower?
The Object Cache Pro plugin requires a minimum PHP version of 7.4 to remain active. Downgrading PHP to a lower version will deactivate the plugin.
Can I use this plugin with staging applications?
Yes, you can use the Object Cache Pro plugin with staging applications.
I already have the Object Cache Pro plugin installed and active on my WordPress application. How can I create a staging application with the plugin?
Here are three scenarios to help you better understand it. Just so you know, we have assumed that the primary WordPress application has the Object Cache Pro plugin installed and activated.
Same Server: If you create a staging application on the same server where your WordPress application is hosted, your staging application will also have the plugin installed and activated.
Different Server: If you create a staging application on a different server and not the same server where your WordPress application is hosted, and this different server meets the mandatory requirements for the Object Cache Pro plugin installation, the plugin will be installed and activated on the staging application. The plugin will only be installed if the server meets the requirements.
New Server: If you create a staging application on a new server, the plugin will also be installed and activated in your staging application.
Suppose the Object Cache Pro plugin is deactivated on the main WordPress application before creating the staging application. In that case, the staging application will also have the Object Cache Pro plugin deactivated.
I already have the Object Cache Pro plugin installed and active on my WordPress application; how can I clone my application with the Object Cache Pro plugin?
Here are three scenarios to help you better understand it. Just so you know, we have assumed that the primary WordPress application has the Object Cache Pro plugin installed and activated.
Clone on the Same Server: If you clone the application on the same server where your WordPress application is hosted, your cloned application will also have the plugin installed and activated.
Clone on a Different Server: If you clone the application on a different server, and this different server meets the mandatory requirements for the Object Cache Pro plugin installation, the plugin will be installed and activated on the cloned application. The plugin will only be installed if the server meets the requirements.
Clone on a New Server: If you clone the application on a new server, your cloned application will also have the plugin installed and activated.
If the Object Cache Pro plugin is deactivated on the main WordPress application before cloning the app, the cloned application will also have the Object Cache Pro plugin deactivated.
How can I deactivate the Object Cache Pro plugin?
If you choose to disable (or stop) the Redis service on your server, the Object Cache Plugin will be automatically deactivated from all applications hosted on that server, but the plugin will remain installed on your WordPress app.
Please follow these steps if you'd like to deactivate the Object Cache Pro plugin for a specific application.
What happens if I disable the Redis?
Disabling Redis on your server will deactivate the Object Cache Pro plugin on all WordPress websites hosted on that server, but the plugin will remain installed. However, if any applications on the server had the Object Cache Pro plugin already deactivated before disabling Redis, they will remain deactivated. Enabling Redis again will reactivate the Object Cache Pro plugin for the affected applications.
What happens when I deactivate the Object Cache Pro plugin? Will it be removed?
When you deactivate the Object Cache Pro plugin, it will be removed from your WordPress application.
Experience the fastest WordPress hosting using Object Caching Pro Plugin.