How to Permanently Disable LiteSpeed Cache Plugin in WordPress

How to Permanently Disable LiteSpeed Cache Plugin in WordPress

**Description:**This guide provides step-by-step instructions for Brixly shared hosting customers on how to completely remove the LiteSpeed Cache plugin from WordPress and prevent its automatic reinstallation. These steps use tools available in your cPanel and WordPress dashboard—no server admin access required.

Why Disable LiteSpeed Cache?

While LiteSpeed Cache can significantly improve website performance, there may be situations where you need to permanently deactivate or prevent its use—for example, plugin conflicts, specific site requirements, or preference for alternative solutions.

Step 1: Remove the LiteSpeed Cache Plugin from WordPress

1. Log in to your WordPress Admin Dashboard.
2. Go to Plugins > Installed Plugins.
3. Locate LiteSpeed Cache in the list.
4. Click Deactivate.
5. Once deactivated, click Delete to remove the plugin completely.

*Tip:*Deleting the plugin also removes its configuration files, but cached files may remain (these are covered in Step 3).

Step 2: Prevent Automatic Reinstallation via cPanel

Brixly’s shared hosting platforms may automatically install LiteSpeed Cache to improve site performance. To permanently prevent this:

1. Log in to your cPanel account.
2. Navigate to LiteSpeed Web Cache Manager.
3. Click WordPress Cache.
4. Click Scan to detect all WordPress installations.
5. Next to the domain/site you wish to exclude, click Flag.

This action will place a .litespeed_flag file in your WordPress directory, marking it as excluded from automated cache plugin installations.

Manual Method: Add the .litespeed_flag File Yourself

If you don’t see the “Flag” option or prefer a manual method:

1. In cPanel, open File Manager.

2. Navigate to the root directory of your WordPress installation (usually public_html or a subfolder).

3. Click + File to create a new file.

4. Name the file:

   .litespeed_flag
   

5. Save the file. No content is required inside the file.

This file acts as a signal to the server to skip LiteSpeed Cache auto-installation for that site.

Step 3: Clear Remaining LiteSpeed Cache Files (Optional)

To ensure all cached data is removed after plugin deletion:

1. Open File Manager in cPanel.

2. Navigate to:

   /wp-content/
   

3. Delete the litespeed folder if it exists.

Step 4: Verify Plugin Status

• In your WordPress dashboard, check that LiteSpeed Cache no longer appears under Plugins.
• Visit your site to confirm changes are reflected and no cache plugin is active.

Troubleshooting

LiteSpeed Cache Reinstalls Itself

• Double-check that the .litespeed_flag file exists in your WordPress root directory.
• If using multiple WordPress installations, repeat the flagging process for each one.
• Ensure the filename is correct: .litespeed_flag (with a dot at the start, no file extension).

Site Performance Drops After Disabling Cache

• Consider enabling an alternative caching plugin such as WP Super Cache or W3 Total Cache.
• Optimize your site’s images and scripts using plugins or WordPress settings.
• Refer to your cPanel’s Optimize Website feature for server-level compression.

Still Experiencing Issues?

If you've followed the steps and LiteSpeed Cache keeps returning, or if you need help with performance after removal:

• Open a support ticket via your Brixly client area with detailed information about your site and the issue.
• Include affected domains, a description of the problem, and what troubleshooting you’ve already tried.

Summary

To permanently disable LiteSpeed Cache in WordPress on Brixly shared hosting:

• Remove the plugin from your WordPress dashboard.
• Flag your site in LiteSpeed Web Cache Manager or manually create a .litespeed_flag file.
• Delete any remaining cache files if needed.
• Troubleshoot as necessary and contact support if issues persist.

By following these steps, you can effectively control caching on your WordPress site and prevent unwanted plugin reinstallation.