In 2026, custom web development is all about providing a dynamic and responsive experience. Despite the prevalence of single-page applications, developers still face the enduring need to refresh webpages. You may find it simple to “reload a webpage,” but there is a lot that is happen

ing behind the scenes. A question that is mainly asked by developers at the beginner level is, “what is JavaScript & how to use it?” Refreshing webpages by using JavaScript is one of the simplest actions, but it is an essential factor in modern web development. The most common method is to use the command javascript:location.reload(true).

While it appears straightforward, there are important details behind how it functions, particularly regarding the now-obsolete true parameter.

This guide examines the window.location.reload() works, the history behind its parameters, how browser behavior has evolved, and when a full page reload is still the right approach

What is window.location.reload() in JavaScript?

When a user utilizes the refresh option in the browser, the page temporarily disappears and then reloads after a few seconds. This is what the window.location.reload() command is performed in JavaScript.

It informs the browser:

Hey, reload this page just like the refresh button would.

Why Use It?

You might use this when you want to:

• Show updated information.
• Restart something on the page.
• Make sure changes appear after something happens.

Does It Use Cached Stuff?

When a user reloads a webpage, their browser may rely on locally cached data to improve loading speed. However, this optimization only benefits the individual user. To ensure faster performance for all users, caching needs to be implemented on the server side, storing frequently requested resources closer to where they’re served, reducing redundant processing and network load.

What about the Javascript:location.reload(true)?

You might have seen similar code like this before:

javascript:location.reload(true)

Let’s break that down:

• A long time ago, adding true told the browser:

Don’t use saved stuff. Go get a brand-new copy of the page from the server.

That was useful if you wanted to ensure the page didn’t load from old, cached data.

But What About Today?

Today’s browsers ignore the actual part. Whether you write a location.reload(true) or just window.location.reload(), they work the same way.

So now:

location.reload(true)

➡️ Works the same as

window.location.reload()

Think of It Like This:

When you check the weather on your phone, it may display an outdated forecast if it hasn’t been updated recently. In the past, using location.reload(true) was like going outside to see the current weather.

However, phones now update automatically, and stepping outside doesn't change anything. That’s how browsers work today. They ignore the “true” and just reload the page the normal way.

Does location.reload(true) Work in All Browsers in 2026?

Some developers still ask about the location.reload(true) works differently depending on the browser used. This is a good question, but as we enter 2026, it won’t matter anymore. All major browsers, such as Google Chrome and Safari, handle the process of reloading a page in the same manner.

Whether you write a location.reload(true) or window.location.reload(), the browser reloads the page normally. Thus, the true parameter is simply neglected. It used to force the browser to skip any saved files and get everything fresh from the server. Now, it does nothing.

So, if you’re still adding 'true' in your code, thinking it changes how the page reloads, it doesn’t. All browsers ignore it completely.

Here’s a quick breakdown:

How to Effectively Force a Fresh Reload

If you want to reload the page without fetching the old cache files, you must utilize the effective method:

Below are the two straightforward approaches:

• Add a random value to the URL
  For example:
  example.com/page.html?nocache=1234

This method instructs the browser to view a unique page and bypass the cache.

• Set cache rules on the server

It is possible to configure the server to communicate with the browser with the directive: “Do not utilize stored files, retrieve all content afresh.” This can be accomplished by implementing headers such as Cache-Control: no-cache.

Both of these methods ensure a fresh reload and are compatible across all major browsers.

When Should You Reload a Page?

You shouldn’t reload a page unless there’s a good reason. Reloading can be slow and sometimes make things feel broken if done too often. But there are cases where a full reload actually helps:

After someone logs out

It is important to clear their session and redirect to the login screen for security purposes.

When the page crashes or stops working

A reload can reset everything and bring it back to normal.

When the user changes a setting

Like switching to another language or theme. A quick reload can apply those changes properly.

For old websites

For an older website with outdated code, a full reload is the reliable solution.

When It Makes Sense to Reload a Page

Using window.location.reload() can be effective in some cases, but it is not a default choice. It shouldn’t be your go-to solution for every problem. Here are the key scenarios where reloading the page is beneficial:

1. News or Blog Pages

On news sites or blogs, it’s essential to display the most recent posts. If someone’s been reading for a while, reloading the page can bring in fresh headlines. This way, they don’t end up reading old content by mistake.

2. Pages with Live Data

For things like stock prices, live scores, or dashboards that update frequently, sometimes the easiest way to keep them current is to reload. Still, it’s better to update only the part that changes. But if that’s not possible, a reload works too.

3. After a Form Is Sent

After submitting the form, such as placing an order or sending a message, it is often suggested to reload the page. This clears the form, resets the layout, and provides the user with a fresh start.

How to Use It

Here is the basic code to reload the page:

javascript window.location.reload();

This refreshed the whole page, similar to the reset button present on the browser.

When to Use Page Reload

Here are some important points that will explain when the best time is to reload the page:

Good Times to Use It:

• When you want to have updated information.
• When the user intent is to reload, like directly clicking the reload button.
• During the development testing phase, actively fix the bugs.

When to Avoid It:

1. For minor updates that will be implemented without using this.

2. Don’t set it for a few seconds, as it will disturb the page.

Why Reloading Isn’t Always the Best Option

While reloading the page may seem like a quick solution, it comes with several drawbacks.

• It interrupts the smooth process of modern apps that load the updated content without the need to refresh.
• It reloads everything, without showing the changes, and thus wastes time.
• Slow down the user, especially on mobile devices or slower connections.
• Causes frustration to the user, as it loses their input.

For a user-friendly experience, it is better to make the necessary updates. Always prefer to use JavaScript to refresh the page instead of reloading the page.

Better Ways to Update Pages Without Reloading Everything

Most developers today avoid full-page reloads unless they really need to. Instead of calling location.reload() or window.location.reload(), there are better ways to keep content up to date without interrupting what the user’s doing.

1. Use fetch() to Get New Data

The use of the fetch API allows you to extract the new content from the server and insert it directly into the page. For instance, if you want to upload the content or load new headlines, there is no need to reload the page. You can target the desired section; this way, users stay where they exactly are.

2. AJAX for Smooth Updates

AJAX has been present for a long time, and it provides you with the updated data without reloading the full page. This technology streamlines updates for a small element, such as notification bubbles or widgets, and the rest of the page remains intact.

3. Frameworks Like React, Vue, and Angular

These frameworks are specifically designed to manage the dynamic content efficiently. Instead of reloading the entire page, it will automatically update only the changed part. When users apply filters, these frameworks smartly change the relevant section only.

4. Real-Time Updates with WebSockets

For the applications that require real-time updates, such as chat apps, stock trackers, or games, WebSockets are an ideal solution. It allows the server to send updates directly to the page, and thus avoids unnecessary reloads. This is one of the best approach that offer a fast and smooth experience.

Need to Force a Full Reload Without the True Flag?

location.reload(true) doesn’t work anymore. The true part is ignored by all browsers. But there are still ways to make sure a reload doesn’t pull from the cache:

Option 1: Use Meta Tags or Headers

Set the command in HTML or the server so that the browser bypasses the store files in cache. This way, the user will only get the most updated version of the page.

Option 2: Add Something Extra to the URL

Another strategy is to add a random number or timestamp in the URL, which directs the browser to view it as a new page.

Example:
/profile?nocache=987654

Want to See What Your Reload Really Does?

If you want to check whether your page fetches content from cache or loads the new one, follow these steps:

1. Open Developer Tools (F12)
2. Select the network tab.
3. Enable the option that displays “Disable cache”
4. Reload by using window.location.reload()
5. Watch which files get loaded again

Common Reload Mistakes to Avoid

Still, there are many developers who make these mistakes when dealing with reloads.

1. Using location.reload(true)
It won’t work anymore, as many browsers ignore true parameters.

2. Reloading inside loops or auto-refresh scripts
This method not only causes excessive flickering but also overloads the page multiple times.

3. Forgetting about user input
A page reload will remove all the data that the user has entered if they are completing the form. It is always better to check twice.

Quick Comparison of Methods

Wrap Up

If you are working on developing a new website or application, there is no need to reload the entire page to show the updated content. Many tools are present in the market, such as fetch(), AJAX, WebSockets, and frontend frameworks like React or Vue, which will give you faster updates.

Page reload still serves some purpose, but in certain cases, it is not mandatory to use it. Try to use alternative methods, particularly when you are managing form submission or real-time updates. And if you are still dependent on using the javascript:location.reload(true), it's time to change your approach.

At Amrood Labs, we help teams modernize their applications with the right tools, providing cleaner updates, better state management, and smarter backend integration. Ready to enhance your web applications? We’re here to help you upgrade, one efficient line of code at a time.

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