What is javascript:location.reload(true)? A Simple Guide for Beginners

What Does javascript:location.reload(true) Do? (2025 Guide)

Ever seen location.reload(true) in JavaScript and wondered what it actually does? In this quick guide, we'll break down this outdated method, how it worked in the past, and what you should use in modern browsers instead.

🔄 What is location.reload()?

location.reload() is a built-in JavaScript method that reloads the current web page. It's like clicking the browser's refresh button using code.

location.reload();

When called, it reloads the page from the cache by default.

🕰️ What About location.reload(true)?

In older browsers (like Internet Explorer), passing true to location.reload() forced the browser to reload the page from the server, not the cache.

location.reload(true); // Forces server reload (in old browsers)

Important: Modern browsers ignore the true argument. It's deprecated and has no effect in 2025.

🧼 Modern Replacement

In today’s JavaScript development, you should just use:

location.reload();

This works across all modern browsers and behaves consistently.

❌ SEO Warning: Don’t Use Reloads Unnecessarily

• Forcing reloads on users can hurt user experience.
• Google does not follow JavaScript reloads.
• Using this for SEO tricks won’t work and might harm ranking.

Tip: Only use location.reload() after form submissions, data updates, or where necessary — never automatically without a reason.

✅ Use Cases for location.reload()

Here are valid scenarios where you might use this method:

• Refreshing content after AJAX calls.
• Resetting UI after a successful form submit.
• Manually triggered refresh buttons in dashboards.

📱 How to Add It in Blogger

1. Go to Layout in your Blogger dashboard.
2. Click on “Add a Gadget” → choose HTML/JavaScript.
3. Paste this code inside:

   <button onclick="location.reload()">Refresh Page</button>

4. Save the gadget and view your blog.

🔚 Conclusion

location.reload(true) was once useful, but in 2025, it's outdated and has no real impact. Stick with location.reload() and use it only when necessary. It won’t improve your SEO, but when used correctly, it can help enhance user experience.

💬 Have questions about JavaScript or Blogger? Drop them in the comments below!