Replaced a PDF but Still Seeing the Old One?

If you've used the Enable Media Replace plugin to update a PDF file but you're still seeing the old version — don’t worry, it’s a common caching issue.

This often happens even when the replacement was successful, especially if you're keeping the same file name and URL, which is exactly what that plugin is designed to help with (for example, if you've shared that PDF link in newsletters, emails, or on other websites).

What’s likely happening:

Browsers and devices often cache PDFs more aggressively than regular web content. Even if the file has been correctly replaced on the server, your browser may still be holding on to the old version for 24–48 hours — sometimes longer.

What you can do:

1. Open the PDF link in an Incognito/Private Window.
   • This loads the file without using your browser’s cache. If you see the updated version there, the new file is live — your browser just needs to catch up.
2. Try a hard refresh.
   • On the page where the PDF is linked, press:
     • Cmd + Shift + R (Mac)
     • Ctrl + F5 (Windows)
   • This forces your browser to reload the latest version of the file.
3. Clear your browser cache (optional).
   • You can clear your entire browser cache if you want to speed up the update on your machine, but it’s not required — the cache will eventually clear on its own.
4. Let time do its thing.
   • In most cases, the updated file will show up everywhere within 24–48 hours. If you’re checking from multiple devices or networks, you might see it update at different times.
5. Still seeing the old version after 48 hours?
   • Submit a ticket and share the link with us and we can double-check whether the file has truly been removed or if it’s stored in a different location on your server.