Sometimes WordPress sites get slow. When that happens, visitors might leave, pages might take forever to load, and things just feel… clunky. I’ve had that problem too. That’s when I turned to something called Redis. Redis is a tool that helps speed things up by caching. Caching just means saving a copy of something so it loads faster the next time.
In this post, I’ll walk you through how to use Redis with WordPress. I’ll explain things in a simple way, and share how I set it up on my own site. If I can do it, you can too—even if you’re not a tech wizard.
Let’s get into it. No wand waving needed. Just some commands, configs, and maybe a few groans at my bad puns.
What Is Redis?
Redis (short for Remote Dictionary Server) is a small but powerful system that stores data in memory. Think of it like a super-fast notebook your server uses to remember stuff.
When a visitor comes to your WordPress site, WordPress normally talks to the database, grabs the data, and builds the page. This takes time—especially when there are a lot of people visiting.
With Redis, WordPress doesn’t have to ask the database every time. Redis keeps a copy of the answer. So instead of going all the way to the back of the store, it grabs the answer from the front shelf.
It’s like when you memorize your Wi-Fi password instead of asking your sibling every time.
Why Redis Helps
Here’s why Redis makes things faster:
- It stores data in RAM, which is faster than reading from a disk.
- It reduces how often WordPress talks to the database.
- It helps during traffic spikes, like when your blog post goes viral (or your mom shares it on Facebook).
Redis is especially helpful for busy websites. But even small sites can benefit.
What You Need Before Using Redis
Before setting things up, make sure you have:
- A VPS or dedicated server (shared hosting might not support Redis)
- Root access or sudo privileges
- WordPress installed and working
- A Redis server installed
- A Redis caching plugin for WordPress
I used a VPS with Ubuntu 22.04. If you’re using something else, some steps might look different—but the idea is the same.
Installing Redis on Your Server
I installed Redis on my server using just a few commands.
On Ubuntu or Debian:
sudo apt update
sudo apt install redis-server -y
After that, check if Redis is running:
sudo systemctl status redis
If it’s active and running, you’re good.
Redis is usually set up to run in the background automatically. It doesn’t need much attention, unless it starts throwing a tantrum (which is rare).
Secure Redis a Bit (Optional but Smart)
I’ve seen stories of people leaving Redis wide open on the internet. That’s a bad idea. Redis is fast—but not if someone breaks in and fills it with junk.
Here are some things I did to stay safe:
- Set Redis to only listen on
127.0.0.1(localhost). - Use a strong password in the Redis config file.
- Add firewall rules to block outside access.
You can edit the config file like this:
sudo nano /etc/redis/redis.conf
Then change this line:
bind 127.0.0.1
Also look for:
# requirepass yourpassword
Uncomment it (remove the #) and choose a good password.
After you’re done, restart Redis:
sudo systemctl restart redis
Security isn’t fun—but neither is getting hacked.
Connect WordPress to Redis
Now that Redis is running, we need WordPress to talk to it. For that, I used a plugin.
I tried a few and settled on Redis Object Cache by Till Krüss. It’s simple and works well. You can install it like any other plugin:
- Go to your WordPress dashboard.
- Click Plugins > Add New.
- Search for Redis Object Cache.
- Install and activate it.
After activating, go to Settings > Redis and click Enable Object Cache.
If everything works, you’ll see a message like “Connected.”
Redis is now working with your WordPress site. You just gave your site a memory boost. Boom.
Testing If Redis Is Working
You might be wondering: “Is Redis really doing anything?”
You can test it.
Go back to the Redis plugin settings page. Look at the number of cache hits and misses.
- Hits mean WordPress got data from Redis.
- Misses mean WordPress had to ask the database.
After a few visits to your site, hits should go up. That means Redis is helping.
You can also run this command on the server:
redis-cli monitor
This shows live Redis activity. Be careful—it gets busy fast.
The Benefits I Noticed
After using Redis for a few days, I noticed:
- My homepage loaded faster.
- My server stayed calmer during traffic.
- The database had fewer slow queries.
I used a tool called Query Monitor to check what was going on behind the scenes. I saw fewer repeated database calls.
It’s like Redis became my site’s memory sponge—soaking up the stuff it needs to remember.
Some Tips That Helped Me
Here are things I learned the hard way:
- Don’t forget to restart Redis after editing the config.
- Don’t install two cache plugins at once—they can fight like cats and dogs.
- Use a plugin that logs Redis activity (like Query Monitor or WP CLI).
If your site breaks after enabling Redis, just disable the plugin and check your Redis config again.
A Quick Comparison: Before and After Redis
| Feature | Without Redis | With Redis |
|---|---|---|
| Page load speed | Slower | Faster |
| Database load | Heavier | Lighter |
| Traffic performance | Can crash | More stable |
| Setup time | Easy-ish | Still easy-ish |
Redis doesn’t fix everything, but it helps with speed and pressure.
Three Lists You’ll Find Handy
Reasons to Use Redis:
- Speeds up dynamic content
- Reduces server load
- Handles more traffic with less effort
Things to Watch Out For:
- Conflicts with other cache plugins
- Misconfigured Redis password
- Hosting that doesn’t support Redis
Commands You Might Need:
# Start Redis
sudo systemctl start redis
# Restart Redis
sudo systemctl restart redis
# Monitor Redis activity
redis-cli monitor
# Flush Redis cache (careful!)
redis-cli flushall
Always back up your site before playing with live commands. I learned that lesson the hard way.
Final Thoughts (and a Terrible Pun)
Using Redis with WordPress isn’t rocket science. It’s more like giving your site a Red Bull. But instead of wings, it gets RAM-powered memory.
If your site feels slow or your database seems tired, Redis might be the boost you need.
Try it out. If things go sideways, just remove the plugin and breathe. You’re always in control.
And remember: fast sites aren’t just better—they’re red-istantly lovable.
