If your cache plugin (WP Rocket, Autoptimize, LiteSpeed Cache, W3 Total Cache, etc.) stops minifying or combining CSS and JS files when WP Ghost is active, the cache plugin can’t access the original file paths because WP Ghost has changed them. The cache plugin tries to fetch files from the new custom paths, fails to find them at the filesystem level, and skips minification.
Whitelist your server’s IP address
Cache plugins often fetch CSS and JS files via HTTP requests from your own server. If WP Ghost’s firewall blocks these internal requests, the cache plugin can’t access the files. Go to WP Ghost > Firewall > Whitelists and add your server’s IP address. This allows the cache plugin’s internal requests to bypass WP Ghost’s firewall rules and access the original file paths for minification.
Disable path changes for logged-in users
Some cache plugins process minification via cron jobs or AJAX calls that run in the context of a logged-in user. If WP Ghost changes paths for logged-in users, the cache plugin sees custom paths instead of real filesystem paths and can’t locate the files. Go to WP Ghost > Tweaks > Change Options and switch off Change Paths for Logged Users. This keeps path changes active for visitors (security) while giving the cache plugin access to original paths during its processing (functionality).
Enable late loading
By default, WP Ghost loads early to intercept requests before other plugins process them. If your cache plugin needs to process CSS and JS paths before WP Ghost modifies them, enabling late loading reverses this order. Go to WP Ghost > Advanced > Compatibility and enable Late Loading. This ensures the cache plugin sees original paths during its minification pass, and WP Ghost changes the paths afterward in the HTML output.
Enable Change Paths in Cached Files
If your cache plugin successfully minifies and combines files but the resulting cached files still contain old WordPress paths, enable Change Paths in Cached Files at WP Ghost > Change Paths. This processes the cache plugin’s output files and replaces old paths with your custom ones. Clear the cache after enabling so new files are generated and processed.
Try each solution one at a time and test minification after each change. Check the compatibility list for cache-plugin-specific configuration instructions. If you’ve lost access to the admin dashboard, see the emergency disable guide.