How to Connect Cloudflare Auto Cache Purge Plugin with Cloudflare (Step-by-Step Guide)

Plugin: Cloudflare Auto Cache Purge
Purpose: Smart Cloudflare cache purging for WordPress
Requires: Cloudflare account
Difficulty: Beginner
Last Updated: (18.1.2026)

Introduction

Website speed and cache management play a critical role in SEO and user experience. When you use Cloudflare CDN, cached content may continue to show even after you update posts or pages, unless the cache is cleared properly.

The Cloudflare Auto Cache Purge plugin is designed to solve this problem intelligently. Instead of purging the entire cache, it automatically clears only the updated page URL, keeping your cache hit ratio high and your site fast.

In this guide, you will learn how to connect the Cloudflare Auto Cache Purge plugin with Cloudflare, step by step.

Requirements

Before you begin, make sure you have:

  • A WordPress website with admin access
  • An active Cloudflare account
  • Your domain added and active in Cloudflare
  • A Cloudflare API Token
  • Cloudflare Zone ID

✅ This plugin works perfectly with the Cloudflare Free plan.

Step 1: Install and Activate the Plugin

  1. Log in to your WordPress admin dashboard
  2. Go to Plugins → Add New → Upload Plugin
  3. Upload the cloudflare-auto-cache-purge.zip file
  4. Click Install Now, then Activate

📸 Add a screenshot of plugin activation here

After activation, you will see a new menu item in the left sidebar:

👉 Cloudflare Cache

Step 2: Create a Cloudflare API Token

The API Token is required to allow WordPress to communicate securely with Cloudflare.

How to Create an API Token

  1. Log in to your Cloudflare dashboard
  2. Click your Profile Icon (top-right corner)
  3. Go to My Profile → API Tokens
  4. Click Create Token
  5. Scroll down and select Create Custom Token

📸 Add a screenshot of the API Tokens page here

Required Permissions

Set the following permissions:

  • Zone → Cache Purge → Edit
  • Zone → Zone → Read

Zone Resources

  • Select Include
  • Choose Specific Zone
  • Select your website domain

After creating the token:

  • Copy it immediately and store it safely
  • The full token will not be shown again

Step 3: Find Your Cloudflare Zone ID

  1. Go to Cloudflare Dashboard → Websites
  2. Click on your domain
  3. Scroll down the right sidebar
  4. Copy the Zone ID

📸 Add a screenshot of the Zone ID location here

Step 4: Configure the Plugin Settings

Now go back to your WordPress dashboard:

Cloudflare Cache → Settings

Fill in the following fields:

Enable Auto URL Purge

When enabled:

  • The plugin will automatically purge only the updated post or page URL

Cloudflare API Token

  • Paste the API Token you generated earlier

Cloudflare Zone ID

  • Paste your Zone ID

Homepage Auto Purge (Optional)

  • Enable this if you want the homepage cache to be purged whenever content is updated

📸 Add a screenshot of the plugin settings page here

Click Save Changes.

Step 5: Check Connection Status

At the top of the settings page, you will see a status indicator:

  • 🟢 Connected – Plugin is successfully connected to Cloudflare
  • 🔴 Not Configured – API Token or Zone ID is missing or incorrect

If the status shows Connected, the plugin is ready to work.

Step 6: Test Manual Full Cache Purge

The plugin provides two ways to manually purge the full Cloudflare cache:

Option 1: From the Plugin Settings Page

  • Click Purge Full Cloudflare Cache

Option 2: From the Admin Top Bar

  • Use the 🔥 Purge Cloudflare Cache button in the WordPress admin bar

After clicking:

  • The full cache is cleared
  • A success notification is displayed

📸 Add a screenshot of the admin bar purge button here

How the Plugin Works (Behind the Scenes)

  • Automatic Purge
    • Clears only the updated URL
    • Maintains high cache efficiency
  • Manual Purge
    • Clears the entire Cloudflare cache
    • Useful for major design or layout changes
  • instant.page Integration (Optional)
    • Preloads pages on mouse hover
    • Improves perceived page load speed

Common Issues and Solutions

Plugin Shows “Not Configured”

  • Double-check API Token permissions
  • Ensure the Zone ID matches the correct domain

Changes Not Visible After Update

  • Clear browser cache and test again
  • Check Cloudflare dashboard → Purge Logs

Conclusion

The Cloudflare Auto Cache Purge plugin is built for WordPress users who want:

  • Faster websites
  • Smart cache management
  • No manual cache purging after every update

Once connected correctly, the plugin works silently in the background, keeping your Cloudflare cache fresh and your website fast.

Upcoming Support Articles on DigitalWasim.com

This is the first article in the support series. Upcoming guides will cover:

  • Homepage Auto Purge: Best Practices
  • WooCommerce Smart Cache Purging
  • Understanding Purge Logs
  • instant.page Performance Impact
  • Advanced Usage & Optimization Tips

Author

Wasim Akram
Founder – DigitalWasim
🌐 https://digitalwasim.com
📧 Support: [email protected]

Need Help?
If you’re facing any issues while connecting the plugin with Cloudflare, feel free to contact us:
📧 [email protected]
We usually respond within 24 hours.

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