In WordPress, autoloaded options are database entries that are automatically loaded into memory on every page load. These typically include configuration data from your themes, plugins, and core settings that help your site function smoothly.
However, when the number of autoloaded options grows — especially due to poorly coded plugins or leftover data — it can slow down your website significantly. Imagine forcing WordPress to load hundreds of unused settings on every single page visit. This becomes even more critical for high-traffic websites with complex structures.
Example: Autoloaded options could affect performance Autoloaded options are configuration settings for plugins and themes that are automatically loaded with every page load in WordPress. Having too many autoloaded options can slow down your site. Your site has 1996 autoloaded options (size: 808 KB) in the options table, which could cause your site to be slow. You can review the options being autoloaded in your database and remove any options that are no longer needed by your site..
What Are Autoloaded Options?
Autoloaded options are data entries stored in your WordPress database that are automatically loaded into memory every time a page is viewed — even if the data isn’t required for that page.
These entries typically come from plugins, themes, or core settings. For instance, a plugin might store its configuration as autoloaded data to ensure it’s accessible site-wide. The issue occurs when these autoloaded items grow in number or size — often caused by:
- Poorly coded or bloated plugins
- Data left behind by deleted or inactive themes
- Lack of cleanup routines after deactivation
This leads to higher memory usage, longer database queries, and slower overall performance. It’s especially problematic for high-traffic websites or those with dynamic page content.
How to Fix Autoloaded Option Overload
- Identify unnecessary autoloaded entries: Use tools like Query Monitor or WP Optimize to see which options are being autoloaded and how much space each one takes. Focus on large, unused entries from old plugins or themes.
- Delete or disable unneeded options: Once you’ve identified bloated or obsolete data, carefully remove it from the database. Always back up your site before making changes.
Pro Tip: Always test your website after deleting any database entries. Removing essential autoloaded options may break certain features or plugin functionality.
How to Fix the Autoloaded Options Issue in WordPress
1. Review Autoloaded Options
To get started, you can use database tools like phpMyAdmin or leverage specialized WordPress plugins that help analyze and manage autoloaded entries in the wp_options table.
2. Using phpMyAdmin
- Log in to your phpMyAdmin dashboard.
- Select your WordPress site’s database.
- Click on the wp_options table.
- Use a search query where
autoload = 'yes'to list all autoloaded options. - Create a list of options that are outdated or no longer needed.
Opening the wp_options Table
- From the list of tables, find and click on
wp_optionsto display its contents.
Running a Search with autoload = ‘yes’
- Click on the Search tab at the top.
- In the “Column” dropdown, select
autoload. - Set the operator to
=and the value toyes. - Click the Go button to execute the query.
Once the search completes, you’ll see a list of all autoloaded options in your WordPress site. From here, review and safely delete unnecessary entries to improve performance.
3. Using WordPress Plugins
Several plugins are available to help manage and optimize autoloaded options without needing to access the database manually. Two highly recommended ones:
- Query Monitor: View all database queries and identify which options are autoloaded, and which ones take up the most memory.
- Advanced Database Cleaner: Clean up orphaned or outdated options and manage your autoloaded settings with ease.
wp_options. Properly managing autoloaded entries can dramatically improve your site’s loading speed.4. Deleting Unnecessary Autoloaded Options
Once you’ve identified unused or outdated autoloaded entries, follow these steps to safely remove them:
- Backup your database before making any changes.
- Delete unnecessary entries directly from the
wp_optionstable.
Example: In our wp_options table, we discovered leftover options from deleted plugins: kirki_downloaded_font_files and wpzoom-instagram-widget-settings. To remove all related data, execute the following SQL queries:
|
1 2 |
DELETE FROM wp_options WHERE option_name LIKE '%kirki%'; DELETE FROM wp_options WHERE option_name LIKE '%wpzoom%'; |
How to Execute SQL Queries in phpMyAdmin
- Log into your phpMyAdmin panel.
- Select your WordPress database.
- Click the SQL tab at the top.
- Paste the SQL query into the editor.
- Click Go to run the query.
This will permanently remove any wp_options entries containing kirki or wpzoom in their names.
5. Review Your Plugins and Themes
Some plugins and themes may store a large number of autoloaded options. It’s important to regularly audit your installed items and ensure only essential plugins and themes remain active.
Example: We found several autoloaded entries in the database left over from a deleted theme:
Running a SQL Query to Clean Up Theme Options
- Open phpMyAdmin and select your database.
- Click the SQL tab.
- Paste the query below and execute it.
|
1 |
DELETE FROM wp_options WHERE option_name LIKE '%xts-theme%'; |
xts-theme that are no longer needed.
Why Optimizing Autoloaded Options in WordPress Matters
Optimizing Autoloaded Options is a crucial step toward improving the performance and speed of your WordPress website. Here are the main reasons why this optimization matters:
1. Faster Page Load Times
Each time a page loads in WordPress, the autoloaded options are pulled into memory. If the number of these options is too high or includes unnecessary data, the loading process slows down — especially for high-traffic pages. Optimizing these entries leads to quicker load times and a faster website overall.
2. Reduced Server Resource Usage
Excessive autoloaded data can consume significant server resources like CPU and RAM. This puts a strain on your hosting environment, especially during traffic spikes. By cleaning up these options, you can lower server load and boost performance.
3. Improved User Experience (UX)
Website speed directly affects user experience. Visitors are more likely to stay and interact with your content when pages load quickly. A sluggish site leads to higher bounce rates. Optimizing autoloaded options improves UX and keeps users engaged.
4. Better SEO Performance
Site speed is a known ranking factor in Google’s algorithm. Faster websites rank higher in search results. By optimizing autoloaded options, you help improve page speed — which in turn supports better visibility in SERPs.
5. Fewer Long-Term Performance Issues
Without regular cleanup, autoloaded data can pile up over time — especially as new plugins and themes are installed. This leads to performance bottlenecks. Proactively optimizing these settings reduces the risk of future technical issues.
Let’s Make Your Website Work Smarter — Not Harder
Whether you’re tired of technical glitches, slow load times, or invisible rankings on Google — Web Angel is here to help. Our experts specialize in WordPress maintenance and Technical SEO to ensure your website runs faster, ranks higher, and converts better.
Book a free consultation, ask us anything, and let’s build a strategy tailored to your goals.
