Quick answer
Optimize images only after preserving originals and testing the chosen size/quality settings. Resizing originals or stripping metadata can be irreversible without a recovery copy.
Applies to
For a WordPress site you are authorized to edit. Your WordPress role, installed theme, plugins and editor determine the available controls. Hosting access does not automatically establish WordPress administrator access. The video shows an older version.
Steps
- Back up original media and record how the site uses large images, thumbnails and metadata. Review current plugin features and any existing CDN/image optimization.
- Install/activate the official Smush plugin if appropriate. Choose the required upload, compression and resize options individually.
- Test a representative image first, including any EXIF or licensing/attribution metadata you need to retain. Review the result before a bulk run.
Check the result
Inspect visual quality, dimensions, public image links and page behavior, then compare useful file-size/performance results.
Troubleshooting and support
If an original is too small or required metadata is lost, restore the preserved copy and adjust the specific option. Do not promise a feature that depends on an unverified paid plan.
If the problem continues, contact support from the account that owns the service. Include the domain, exact error, time and time zone, tool name, and a redacted screenshot. Keep passwords, private keys, cookies and private message content out of the ticket.
Video tutorial
The original video is preserved. Its interface or product version may differ from the written guidance above.
Related help
Official references
Written content reviewed November 1, 2026. Menu availability depends on the product version, permissions and service.
