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How to Fix the 'advanced-cache.php Already Exists' Error in WordPress

36 threads Sep 16, 2025 Plugin → Wp super cache

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If you've tried to install, activate, or configure the WP Super Cache plugin, you may have encountered a frustrating and confusing error message about a file called advanced-cache.php. This is a common issue that can prevent the plugin from working correctly and sometimes even lock you out of your WordPress admin area.

This guide will explain what this file is, why this error occurs, and provide step-by-step solutions to resolve it.

What is the advanced-cache.php File?

The advanced-cache.php file is a special "drop-in" file used by WordPress itself. It's not part of a theme or a standard plugin. Its purpose is to allow caching plugins to integrate deeply with WordPress's core loading process for maximum performance.

Only one plugin can control this file at a time. When WP Super Cache is properly activated in "Expert Mode," it places its own version of this file in your wp-content directory. The error appears when the plugin detects a pre-existing advanced-cache.php file that it did not create itself.

Why Does the "Already Exists" Error Happen?

Based on community reports, this error typically occurs for a few key reasons:

  1. Another Caching Plugin: The most common cause is another caching plugin (e.g., WP Rocket, W3 Total Cache, WP Optimize, Cloudflare's plugin) that was either not uninstalled correctly or left the file behind.
  2. Incomplete Uninstallation: If WP Super Cache or another caching plugin was deleted without first being deactivated, it may not have had a chance to clean up its files, leaving advanced-cache.php behind.
  3. Your Web Host: Some hosting providers pre-install their own caching systems that use this file. The WP Super Cache plugin will refuse to overwrite a file created by your host to avoid breaking their optimized environment.
  4. A Zero-Byte File: In some cases, another plugin or system may leave behind an empty (0-byte) advanced-cache.php file. WP Super Cache will still detect this and trigger the error.

Step-by-Step Troubleshooting Guide

Warning: Always back up your website before making changes to files.

Solution 1: Manually Delete the File via FTP/SFTP or File Manager

This is the most common and effective solution.

  1. Connect to your website's server using an FTP/SFTP client (like FileZilla) or your hosting provider's File Manager in cPanel.
  2. Navigate to the root folder of your WordPress installation.
  3. Open the wp-content folder.
  4. Look for the file named advanced-cache.php.
  5. Important: If you are currently using a different caching plugin successfully, do not delete this file, as it is required for that plugin to function. Instead, proceed to Solution 3.
  6. If you are not using any other caching plugin, right-click the file and delete it.
  7. Once the file is deleted, try activating or reconfiguring WP Super Cache again.

Pro Tip: Some FTP clients and file managers hide certain files by default. Ensure you have configured your client to "Show Hidden Files."

Solution 2: Check for and Remove Other Caching Plugins

If the file keeps reappearing after you delete it, it is likely being regenerated by another active plugin.

  1. In your WordPress dashboard, go to Plugins > Installed Plugins.
  2. Look for any other caching or optimization plugins (e.g., WP Rocket, W3 Total Cache, WP Optimize, LiteSpeed Cache, Cloudflare).
  3. If you find one, you must choose which caching plugin you want to use. You cannot run two plugins that use the advanced-cache.php file at the same time.
  4. To remove the conflicting plugin, deactivate it first, and then delete it. This should trigger its uninstallation process and remove its advanced-cache.php file automatically.
  5. After the other plugin is fully removed, delete the advanced-cache.php file again if it remains, and then activate WP Super Cache.

Solution 3: For Host-Provided Caching (Advanced)

If you suspect your host created the file, deleting it might cause problems. Your best course of action is to:

  1. Contact your hosting provider's support.
  2. Ask them if the advanced-cache.php file is part of their server configuration.
  3. If it is, ask if it is safe to delete or disable it to use WP Super Cache instead. They will provide you with the correct steps for their specific environment.

Solution 4: Regain Admin Access (If Locked Out)

If the error message is preventing you from accessing your WordPress admin dashboard entirely, you can disable all plugins manually to regain access.

  1. Use FTP or File Manager to navigate to the wp-content folder.
  2. Rename the folder plugins to plugins.old. This will deactivate all plugins on your site.
  3. You should now be able to log into your WordPress admin. Your site will look broken, but this is temporary.
  4. Once logged in, rename the plugins.old folder back to plugins.
  5. Go to the Plugins page and reactivate your plugins one-by-one, starting with WP Super Cache last. This should allow you to access its settings and resolve the conflict.

Summary

The "advanced-cache.php already exists" error is a safety feature, not a bug. The WP Super Cache plugin is designed to avoid overwriting a file that might be critical for another plugin or your hosting environment. By carefully identifying the source of the file and following the steps above, you can resolve the conflict and get your caching plugin working smoothly.

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