How to find and delete unused images on WordPress sites in 2024

Instructions on how to identify and delete unused images in WordPress

There are two methods to identify unused images: the regular process (manual) and the use of the WordPress plugin.

So let’s start with the manual or regular process.

Manual process

This is a normal method to clean WordPress media library. It is a very simple process. If you are a beginner, you can try this process. To start with this process,

• First, you need to navigate to the dashboard of your WordPress site.
• Then go to media > library

• On the Media Library page, go to List view and check the column name. Then select the Unbound Filter means that these images will not be used anywhere on your website.

• Finally, you can select and delete the unused images.

WordPressPlugin

Now we will show you how to find and delete unused images efficiently using a WordPress plugin. There are several WordPress plugins that help in detecting or cleaning the media library. ThumbPress is one of its kind and you can find other WordPress media library cleanup plugins that are specifically designed to detect and remove unused images. Let’s dive in

• First, you need to install both the free and premium versions of ThumbPress.

• When the installation is complete, go to Module Page. Activate the respective module and then click on the Save settings Button.

• Now go to the Plugin submenu and click Recognize Button.

• Clicking this button will display all the images that are not used on your website. You can delete them individually or in bulk.

Useful tips and warnings for your WordPress site

If you are running a WordPress site, there are a few things you need to focus on. This is a must. For a better performing website, there is no alternative but to follow these tips on how to manage unused images in WordPress.

1. Always back up before deleting

Mistakes happen, so always create a backup before deleting files. This way you can quickly undo any unintentional changes and protect your content.

2. Be careful with plugins

Some plugins may incorrectly mark used images as unused. You must carefully check the images before deleting them to avoid accidentally deleting required files.

3. Keep everything up to date

Don’t forget to update your WordPress version, theme, and plugins. Updates often include performance improvements and security fixes that can help keep your site running smoothly and securely.

4. Regular maintenance

By cleaning up unused images, you optimize your website’s performance and improve SEO. Regular maintenance and careful management will keep your website fast and efficient.

5. Consider tools or WordPress plugins

Try using plugins or tools that help you manage and optimize images. Some plugins (like ThumbPress) can help you automatically convert images to more efficient formats like WebP, resize images, and clean up unused files.

6. Monitor performance

You need to check your website performance regularly. You can use popular page speed checkers like Google PageSpeed ​​Insights or GTmetrix. This will help you determine if unused images or other factors are slowing down your website.

7. Conduct regular audits

Check your media library regularly to identify and remove unused images. This will help maintain a clean and efficient file system.

8. Optimize images before uploading

Always optimize your images before uploading them to WordPress. You can use tools like TinyPNG or Cloud Converter to reduce the file size without sacrificing quality.

Regularly cleaning and optimizing your media library will not only declutter your website, but will also significantly improve its performance and SEO. A faster, smoother website will provide a better experience for your visitors and ensure you reach your end goal.