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Configuring LiteSpeed Cache: Improving Website Performance on Shared Hosting

Last updated on Aug 08, 2025

Configuring LiteSpeed Cache: Improving Website Performance on Shared Hosting

**Description:**A step-by-step guide for shared hosting customers to install and configure the LiteSpeed Cache plugin, optimizing website speed and reducing server resource usage. This article is designed for users with basic technical knowledge and does not require server administrator access.

Table of Contents

Introduction

Website speed is crucial for user experience and SEO. On shared hosting, optimizing performance not only improves loading times but also helps you stay within your resource limits. LiteSpeed Cache is a powerful plugin specifically optimized for LiteSpeed web servers, offering dynamic content caching, image optimization, and more.

What is LiteSpeed Cache?

LiteSpeed Cache (LSCache) is a high-performance plugin for WordPress (and other CMS) that integrates deeply with LiteSpeed web servers—like those used on Brixly shared hosting. It provides:

  • Page caching for faster load times
  • Image and database optimization
  • Browser and object caching
  • Minification and combining of CSS/JS

No server admin privileges are required to install or configure the plugin.

Prerequisites

  • A website hosted on a LiteSpeed-powered shared hosting account (most Brixly shared hosting accounts qualify)
  • Access to cPanel and your website’s WordPress admin area (wp-admin)
  • Basic familiarity with plugins and settings

Installing LiteSpeed Cache Plugin

Step 1: Log in to WordPress Admin

  1. Visit https://yourdomain.com/wp-admin
  2. Log in with your admin credentials

Step 2: Install the Plugin

  1. In the left menu, go to Plugins > Add New
  2. Search for LiteSpeed Cache
  3. Click Install Now next to the LiteSpeed Cache plugin
  4. Click Activate once installation completes

Basic Configuration for LiteSpeed Cache

After activation, you'll see a new LiteSpeed Cache menu in your WordPress dashboard.

Step 1: Enable Caching

  1. Navigate to LiteSpeed Cache > Cache
  2. Ensure Enable Cache is set to ON

Step 2: Purge Cache (After Changes)

  • After updating your site, go to LiteSpeed Cache > Toolbox > Purge All to clear old cache files.

Step 3: Set Cache TTL (Time To Live)

  • Go to LiteSpeed Cache > Cache > TTL
  • Adjust cache durations if needed (default values are suitable for most sites)

Recommended Preset Configurations

LiteSpeed Cache offers several optimization presets to suit different experience levels.

How to Apply a Preset

  1. Go to LiteSpeed Cache > Presets
  2. Choose a preset:
    • Essentials: Basic, safe caching for all sites. No risk of breaking formatting.
    • Basic: Caching + basic image optimization (requires free domain key).
    • Advanced: Adds page optimization for CSS/JS (may require exclusions for some themes/plugins).
    • Aggressive/Extreme: Most aggressive optimization; only recommended for advanced users.
  3. Click Apply next to your chosen preset.

> Tip: We recommend starting with the Advanced preset for a balance of speed and stability.

Advanced Optimization Tips

Image Optimization

  • Navigate to LiteSpeed Cache > Image Optimization
  • Request a Domain Key if prompted (free)
  • Click Send for Optimization to compress existing images

CSS/JS Minification and Combination

  • Go to LiteSpeed Cache > Page Optimization
  • Enable CSS Minify, JS Minify, and CSS/JS Combine for faster page loads
  • Test your site after changes; disable options if you notice any display issues

Database Optimization

  • Visit LiteSpeed Cache > Database
  • Use Clean All to remove post revisions, spam comments, and optimize tables

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Website Looks Broken After Enabling Optimization

  • Disable CSS/JS Combine and Minify settings in Page Optimization
  • Clear cache: LiteSpeed Cache > Toolbox > Purge All

Plugin Conflicts or Errors

  • Deactivate other caching plugins (e.g., WP Super Cache, W3 Total Cache)
  • Check for plugin conflicts by disabling plugins one at a time

Resource Limit Errors (e.g., 503, High CPU)

  • Review Resource Usage in your cPanel
  • Optimize images and reduce plugins
  • Consider upgrading your hosting plan if limits are consistently exceeded

How to Disable LiteSpeed Cache

  1. Go to Plugins > Installed Plugins
  2. Deactivate and delete LiteSpeed Cache

Additional Resources

Conclusion

Configuring LiteSpeed Cache is one of the most effective ways to boost website performance on shared hosting. By following the steps above, you can significantly improve load times, reduce server load, and provide a better experience for your visitors. If you encounter persistent issues or have questions, our support team is here to help—just submit a support ticket via your client portal!