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Why Your Under Construction Page Won't Turn Off (And How to Fix It)

59 threads Sep 16, 2025 Plugin → Under construction

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If you've ever tried to disable your Under Construction page only to find it stubbornly still showing for visitors, you're not alone. This is one of the most common issues users face, and the culprit is almost always caching. This guide will explain why this happens and walk you through the most effective solutions to regain control of your site.

The Problem: Your Site Stays in Under Construction Mode

You've toggled the Under Construction mode to "OFF," saved your settings, and even logged out of WordPress. Yet, when you or a visitor check the site, the "Coming Soon" page is still there. This can be incredibly frustrating, especially when you're ready to launch your website to the world.

Why This Happens: The Cache Culprit

In nearly every case analyzed on BugWP, the issue is not a bug with the Under Construction plugin itself. The problem stems from various layers of caching that store a snapshot of your page to help it load faster for future visitors.

When you first enabled the Under Construction page, that version of your site was saved, or "cached," by one or more systems. When you disable the mode, these systems continue to serve the old, cached version instead of generating a new one that shows your live site. Common sources of cache include:

  • Browser Cache: Your web browser saves pages you visit frequently.
  • WordPress Caching Plugins: Plugins like LiteSpeed Cache, W3 Total Cache, or WP Rocket.
  • Server-Level Caching: Many web hosts (e.g., GoDaddy, A2 Hosting) implement their own caching systems at the server level to improve performance.
  • Content Delivery Networks (CDNs): Services like Cloudflare that cache your site on a global network of servers.

How to Fix It: Clear the Cache at Every Level

To ensure your live site is visible, you need to clear all relevant caches. Follow these steps in order.

Step 1: Verify Your Settings

First, double-check that you have actually disabled the mode. In your WordPress dashboard, navigate to Settings -> UnderConstruction -> Main. Ensure the "Under Construction Mode" option is set to "OFF" and click "Save Changes".

Step 2: Clear Your Browser Cache

The simplest place to start is with your own browser. You can usually find this option in your browser's history or settings menu. For a quick test, use your browser's "Incognito" or "Private" mode, which bypasses the local cache. You can also force a cache-refresh by adding a random parameter to your URL, like so: https://yoursite.com/?nocache=12345

Step 3: Clear Your WordPress Caching Plugins

If you use a caching plugin, you must clear its cache after changing the Under Construction status. Look for a "Purge Cache," "Clear All Cache," or similar button in your WordPress admin toolbar or within the plugin's settings. This is a critical step that is often missed.

Step 4: Clear Your Server/Hosting Cache

This is the most common source of persistent issues. If your host has a built-in caching system (like LiteSpeed), you must clear it through your hosting control panel (e.g., cPanel). The method for doing this varies by host. Look for options labeled "Cache," "Purge," or "Speed." If you can't find it, consult your hosting provider's knowledge base or support documentation.

Step 5: Clear Your CDN Cache

If you use a CDN like Cloudflare, you need to purge its cache as well. This is typically done within your CDN provider's dashboard.

What If I Need to Whitelist a Page?

Some users want to keep their site under construction but allow access to a specific page, like a store or contact form. As seen in the sample threads, this URL whitelisting feature is only available in the Pro version of the Under Construction plugin. The free version does not include this functionality.

Still Stuck?

If you have cleared all caches and the problem persists on some devices or networks, remember that DNS propagation can also take time. Furthermore, some aggressive hosting caches have multiple layers and may require a few minutes to update fully after being purged. Consistently using a test URL with a random parameter (e.g., ?nocache=123) is the best way to confirm that the Under Construction page is truly off and the issue is solely related to cached versions being served.

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