Performance
Usage
Open Appearance → Customize → Scripts & Embeds → Performance for theme-level JavaScript optimizations. Remove jQuery Migrate drops the legacy compatibility shim on the front end (on by default). jQuery Defer controls defer behavior:
- Off — jQuery loads normally; use when a plugin breaks after changes.
- Safe Defer — recommended default; defers jQuery only when WordPress can do so without breaking dependents such as Gravity Forms.
- Aggressive Defer — also defers jQuery-dependent plugins; can break inline scripts that expect jQuery immediately.
When to use it
- Speed audits flag jQuery Migrate or render-blocking jQuery on mostly static marketing pages.
- A form or slider plugin fails after an update — step jQuery Defer down to Off or Safe Defer.
- Shop or form-heavy sites where Aggressive Defer might shave load time but needs careful QA.
Tips
- Change one setting at a time and test cart, forms, and navigation before publishing.
- Gravity Forms and other jQuery plugins are the most common reason to avoid Aggressive Defer.
- Remove jQuery Migrate is safe for most modern stacks — turn it off only if something still relies on deprecated jQuery APIs.
- These options affect the public site, not the WordPress admin.
Settings
Performance
Remove jQuery Migrate
Drops the legacy jQuery Migrate shim from the frontend. Leave this on unless a plugin still relies on deprecated jQuery APIs.
jQuery Defer
Controls how aggressively the theme defers jQuery. Use Off if a plugin breaks. Safe is recommended for most sites (defers jQuery only when WordPress can do so without breaking dependents like Gravity Forms). Aggressive also marks jQuery dependents as deferred so jQuery can defer even on form pages — this can break plugins that print inline scripts assuming jQuery is already loaded.