Running a WordPress site on shared hosting often means slower speeds and limited control. But there’s a smart workaround: implementing object caching on shared WordPress hosting. With the right setup, you can reduce database queries and speed up your site—without switching hosts. In this guide, we’ll show you exactly how to do that.
What Is Object Caching?
When your WordPress site loads a page, it runs a series of database queries and PHP executions to pull everything together—posts, settings, widgets, and more. That takes time, especially on shared hosting where server resources are limited.
Object caching speeds things up by storing the results of those queries—like PHP objects, session data, or database query results—in memory. Instead of repeating the same queries every time someone visits, the site retrieves cached data for future requests. This avoids unnecessary strain on your server and makes your site feel much faster.
Most WordPress caching systems include page caching and object caching, but they work differently. Page caching saves fully rendered web pages, while object caching stores reusable parts of the data that build those pages.
Used together, they form a powerful caching system that can cut page load times, reduce server load, and keep your site running smoothly—even with limited resources.
Why Object Caching Is Harder on Shared WordPress Hosting
Object caching can significantly improve your site’s performance, but it’s not always straightforward on shared WordPress hosting. That’s because most shared servers don’t give you full control over your environment. You often can’t install server-level tools, edit advanced settings, or run background services like Redis on your own.
These limitations make it tough to set up a full caching system, especially one that supports persistent object caching. Persistent caching means php objects and other data stay in memory across multiple requests, reducing the need to repeat the same database operations. But storing and serving that kind of data typically requires access to tools like Redis or Memcached, something shared plans don’t always allow.
Still, some providers (like Hosting.com) do offer shared plans with optional Redis or Memcached support built in. These pre-configured environments can make it possible to get WordPress object caching running without a dedicated server. You just need to know what to ask for and how to configure it from the WordPress dashboard.
If you’re seeing slow load times or lots of repeated queries, enabling object caching—even with a few limitations—can go a long way toward stabilizing performance.
Redis vs. Memcached: What’s the Difference?
When you’re setting up an object caching mechanism for your WordPress site, Redis and Memcached are the two names you’ll hear the most. They do similar jobs, but they work very differently behind the scenes—and those differences matter when you’re choosing the right tool for your hosting setup.
Redis: More Than Just a Cache
Redis (short for Remote Dictionary Server) is much more than a simple caching tool. It’s an in-memory data store that supports a wide range of data structures like strings, lists, hashes, and sets. That flexibility allows Redis to do more than just serve up cached data—it can store and organize it in ways that improve performance on complex sites.
Unlike Memcached, Redis supports persistent storage, which means it can save your cached data even after a reboot or restart. That makes it ideal for persistent caching mechanisms, where you want important php objects and database query results to stay available across multiple sessions and not just for a single page load.
Redis also works well on many shared hosting setups where the provider includes a pre-configured redis server. Hosting.com, for example, supports redis object caching in some of its shared plans, allowing users to enable it without a full VPS. With proper setup, you can connect to existing redis instances and make use of this powerful key value store.
As a redis cache, it’s incredibly fast, reliable, and scalable—especially for high-traffic WordPress sites that need to serve dynamic content quickly.
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Memcached: Simple and Lightweight
Memcached takes a different approach. It’s a memory-based object caching mechanism that’s designed for simplicity and speed. Unlike Redis, it doesn’t support complex data structures or persistent storage – but that’s also what makes it so fast and easy to use.
If you’re looking for a plug-and-play solution with minimal setup, Memcached can be a great fit. It focuses purely on storing key value pairs in memory and retrieving them quickly, which is often enough to reduce database queries and cut down on page load times.
While it lacks the persistence and advanced features of Redis, Memcached does well on sites where high performance and low overhead are the priority. It’s especially popular for handling transient data—like session data or temporary PHP objects—that doesn’t need to survive a server restart.
That said, you’ll need to make sure your hosting provider supports it. Some shared environments, including Hosting.com, let you install Memcached or connect to a pre-configured instance, making setup fairly simple even without root access.
When comparing Redis and Memcached, think of it this way: Redis offers more control, structure, and long-term caching potential; Memcached offers raw speed and simplicity. If you’re not running into the limitations of Memcached’s design—like its lack of persistence or limited support for complex workloads—it can be an efficient, no-fuss option for WordPress object caching.
Benefits of Enabling Object Caching on WordPress
Once you’ve got object caching set up, the improvements can be immediate and noticeable. Here’s what to expect:
Faster Page Loads and Lower Server Load
With WordPress caching enabled, your site doesn’t have to rebuild every page from scratch on each visit. Instead, it can cache objects like post data, user settings, and plugin output. This reduces the number of database queries and cuts down on PHP execution times—especially helpful on shared hosting plans where resources are tight.
As a result, your WordPress website loads faster and handles traffic more smoothly. By serving content from memory rather than regenerating it, caching lightens the server load and makes your site more responsive for every visitor.
Better Performance with Multiple Page Loads
Caching really shines when your site handles multiple page loads from the same users or across similar sessions. When the same information is requested again—say, a popular product page or a user’s dashboard—the same request doesn’t have to hit the database twice.
Instead, the persistent object is pulled from memory and reused, dramatically speeding up performance for repeat visits or across multiple servers in a distributed environment. This also improves WordPress performance under heavy load, since your infrastructure isn’t being overwhelmed by repeated queries for the same data.
How to Implement Object Caching on Shared Hosting (Step-by-Step)
Getting started with object caching might sound technical, but you don’t need a VPS or root access to do it. Even on shared hosting, a few key settings and tools can make a big difference—especially if your provider offers Redis or Memcached support. Here’s how to get it done, step by step.
Step 1: Check If Your Web Host Supports Redis or Memcached
Before you dive into setup, find out if your hosting plan includes access to Redis or Memcached. Some shared providers restrict these services—but Hosting.com offers shared plans with optional Redis server or Memcached support already built in.
You can usually check for this in your hosting dashboard or knowledge base. If you’re not sure, reach out to support and ask if your account can use Redis or Memcached for persistent object caching.
Step 2: Enable Support in Your Hosting Panel or via cPanel
If Redis or Memcached is available, the next step is to turn it on. In most cases, you’ll find a toggle or module activation option in your hosting panel or cPanel.
For Redis, look for something labeled like “Install Redis” or “Enable Redis Cache.” The same applies to Memcached. On some servers, it may be as easy as clicking a switch to start the service on your Linux server. If that option isn’t visible, don’t hesitate to contact support and ask them to enable it for you.
Step 3: Edit the Configuration File
Next, you’ll need to update your site’s configuration file—specifically, the wp-config.php file in your root directory. This is where WordPress stores global settings.
To enable persistent caching solutions, add the following line near the top of your config file, before the “That’s all, stop editing!” comment: define( ‘WP_CACHE’, true );
This tells WordPress to allow caching systems to work. Some plugins may also require you to define the caching type or path to the cache engine.
Step 4: Install a Redis Object Cache Plugin
With Redis or Memcached running on the server and your config updated, it’s time to activate caching from inside WordPress. You’ll need a plugin that knows how to talk to your cache engine.
Search for a Redis object cache plugin or general caching plugin in the WordPress plugin directory. Options like “Redis Object Cache” or “LiteSpeed Cache” often support Redis natively.
Once installed, head to your WordPress admin dashboard, go to the plugin settings, and follow the prompts to connect to your caching backend. The plugin will automatically detect available services in most cases, especially if Redis is running on localhost.
Step 5: Use the Enable Object Cache Button in Your Plugin
Most caching plugins include an Enable Object Cache option—sometimes as a button, toggle, or setting inside the plugin dashboard. Look for the enable object cache button, click it, and the plugin will handle the rest.
If the plugin supports Redis, it may also give you details like your current redis object count, hit/miss ratios, or allow you to flush the cache manually. This is where tools like the plugin’s built-in memory manager come in handy, especially when tuning performance or troubleshooting slowdowns.
With all five steps complete, caching WordPress content becomes much more efficient—cutting down on database calls and speeding up your site across the board.
What to Expect After Setup
Once caching is up and running, what happens next? You’ll likely notice faster load times—but there are a few things worth keeping an eye on to make sure you’re getting the full benefit.
Monitor Changes in WordPress Page Load Times
Start by tracking improvements in your WordPress page load times. Tools like Query Monitor (a free plugin) can help you see how many database queries are being skipped thanks to caching. Many web hosts, including Hosting.com, also offer built-in dashboards that show response time and PHP memory usage trends.
Look for reductions in load time, fewer repeated queries, and smoother navigation across your site. If you’re running heavier themes or multiple WordPress plugins, the impact of object caching can be even more noticeable.
Adjust Cache Lifespan and Flush Settings
Most caching plugins give you control over how long the system stores data before refreshing it. Longer cache lifespans mean fewer database hits and better performance—but the tradeoff is potentially serving outdated content. Shorter durations offer fresher content but place more strain on the system.
You can also manually flush the cache if needed, especially after big updates or plugin changes. Just make sure you’re not clearing it too often—defeating the purpose of caching in the first place.
Troubleshooting Object Caching Problems
Even with everything set up correctly, object caching mechanisms can occasionally cause issues—especially on shared hosting environments where settings are limited or plugin conflicts arise. Here’s what to watch for and how to fix common problems.
Common Problems
If your cache isn’t working—or your site breaks after setup—here are the most likely culprits:
- Missing Redis installation or inactive service: Your plugin won’t function unless Redis or Memcached is actively running on the server. Double-check with your host that the service is enabled.
- Plugin can’t detect the cache engine: In your WordPress dashboard, make sure your caching plugin shows a successful connection to Redis or Memcached. If it doesn’t, the plugin may not be properly configured.
- Incorrect or incomplete configuration settings: A missing line in your wp-config.php or a misnamed setting can prevent the cache from starting. Review your object caching mechanism setup to make sure everything is in place.
- Conflicts between multiple caching tools: Some optimization or security plugins may override or block object caching. Temporarily deactivate other caching tools to identify any conflicts.
- Host restrictions on shared environments: Some web hosts silently block external Redis connections or background processes—even if they advertise support. Hosting.com typically allows it, but it’s worth confirming the limitations set out by your specific plan.
How to Safely Clear or Flush Cache
When things go wrong—or when your site content changes—you may need to manually flush the cache. Most plugins include a safe “Clear Cache” or “Purge Cache” button in the settings panel. Use this rather than deleting files manually, which can break connections or remove critical data.
Flushing forces the system to rebuild and cache objects again on the same request, giving you a fresh start without disrupting functionality.
Conclusion
Even on shared hosting, enabling object caching can make a big difference in your WordPress performance. By reducing database load and speeding up page load times, you help your site run more smoothly for every visitor. Whether you use Redis or Memcached, taking the time to set up caching is one of the easiest ways to boost speed without switching plans. Try it out, track your results, and fine-tune your setup as you go.
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Next Steps: What Now?
- Confirm whether your shared hosting plan supports Redis or Memcached.
- Choose a compatible caching plugin and install it on your WordPress site.
- Update your configuration settings and activate the enable object cache button.
- Monitor your site’s performance and make small adjustments as needed.
Further Reading & Useful Resources
If you’re ready to take your WordPress performance even further, these guides and tutorials can help you fine-tune your setup and explore advanced optimization techniques:
- How to Install WordPress with Nginx & Redis: Learn how to configure Redis caching on a WordPress site running Nginx, including setup steps and performance tips.
- The Best WordPress Plugins for Your Website: Explore plugins that can complement object caching by improving speed, security, and overall site performance.
- Shared Hosting vs. WordPress Hosting: Which is Best for Your Site?: Understand the differences between hosting types and how they impact your ability to implement caching and other performance features.
- How to Optimize WordPress Database Using WP-Sweep: Learn how to clean up and optimize your WordPress database to complement your caching setup and improve site efficiency.
- How to Optimize WordPress for Speed: Discover practical strategies to enhance your WordPress site’s speed, including caching, image optimization, and database management.
