If your custom CSS changes are not reflecting on your WordPress site, it’s usually due to one or more of the following common issues:
✅ 1. Browser or Site Caching
Problem: Your browser or caching plugin may be showing an older version of the page.
Solution:
- Clear your browser cache
- Purge cache from any caching plugin (e.g., W3 Total Cache, WP Super Cache)
- If using a CDN like Cloudflare, purge cache from there too
✅ 2. Incorrect CSS Selector or Syntax
Problem: The CSS you wrote might not match the element properly, or may contain syntax errors.
Solution:
- Double-check your CSS selectors using browser tools (right-click > Inspect)
- Ensure your rules are properly written (e.g., missing
;or{})
✅ 3. CSS is Being Overridden by Theme or Plugin Styles
Problem: Your theme’s stylesheet or a plugin may have higher specificity or use !important.
Solution:
- Increase specificity in your CSS rule
- Use
!importantcautiously to override (e.g.,color: red !important;)
✅ 4. Changes Made in the Wrong File or Section
Problem: You might be editing the wrong CSS file or section.
Solution:
- If using Customizer: Go to
Appearance > Customize > Additional CSS - If editing theme files, make sure it’s the active child theme and not a parent or inactive one
✅ 5. Missing File Loading or Enqueueing Issues
Problem: Your custom stylesheet isn’t being loaded properly.
Solution:
- Check if your CSS file is properly enqueued in
functions.php - Use browser tools to verify if the file appears in the
<head>
✅ 6. File Permission or Hosting Cache
Problem: Server-side caching or incorrect file permissions may prevent the changes.
Solution:
- Contact your host to clear server cache
- Ensure your CSS file has read permissions (usually 644)
🛠 Still not working?
If none of the above works, try:
- Disabling optimization/minification plugins temporarily
- Testing in a different browser or incognito mode