Autoptimize Breaking Site Fix

Autoptimize Breaking Your Site? A Troubleshooting Guide

Autoptimize is a fantastic plugin for speeding up your WordPress website by optimizing HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. However, sometimes its aggressive optimization can lead to unexpected issues, causing your site to appear broken. Don't panic! Most Autoptimize-related problems are easily fixable.

Common Causes and Quick Fixes

The primary reason Autoptimize breaks sites is due to conflicts arising from minifying and combining JavaScript or CSS files. Here's a step-by-step troubleshooting approach:

1. Deactivate Autoptimize: This is the first and most crucial step. If your site immediately returns to normal, Autoptimize is definitely the culprit.
2. Clear the Cache: Go to the Autoptimize settings page and click "Delete Cache." Sometimes, outdated cached files are the issue.
3. Re-enable Autoptimize and Test: Check your site. If the problem persists, move on to the next steps.
4. Disable JavaScript Optimization: In Autoptimize settings, uncheck "Optimize JavaScript Code?" and "Aggregate JS-files?" Clear the cache again and test. If this fixes the problem, a JavaScript file is the source.
5. Disable CSS Optimization: If JavaScript wasn't the issue, uncheck "Optimize CSS Code?" and "Aggregate CSS-files?" Clear the cache and test. This isolates CSS as the potential problem.
6. Identify Problematic Files: If either JS or CSS optimization is the cause, you'll need to identify the specific file(s) causing the conflict. You can do this by excluding specific files from optimization in the Autoptimize settings. Start by excluding commonly problematic files like those from your theme or plugins. The Autoptimize FAQ recommends starting with known problematic scripts.

Advanced Troubleshooting and Exclusion Strategies

If the above steps don't solve the problem, you might need more granular control over Autoptimize's settings. Here are some advanced techniques:

• Excluding JavaScript/CSS Files: Use the "Exclude scripts from Autoptimize" and "Exclude CSS from Autoptimize" fields in the Autoptimize settings. Input file names or parts of file names (e.g., `jquery.js` or `theme.css`). Separate multiple files with commas. It’s advisable to exclude critical scripts like `jquery.js` or those related to essential plugins like WooCommerce or Elementor, especially initially.
• Try a Different Cache Plugin: While Autoptimize has its own caching capabilities, consider using a dedicated caching plugin like WP Rocket or LiteSpeed Cache in conjunction with Autoptimize. These plugins often have better compatibility and more advanced features.
• Check Your Theme and Plugins: Ensure your theme and plugins are up-to-date. Outdated code can sometimes conflict with Autoptimize.
• Consult the Autoptimize FAQ: The Autoptimize FAQ on the plugin's website is a valuable resource for troubleshooting common issues. It offers specific advice and exclusion suggestions.

By following these steps, you should be able to identify and resolve the issues causing Autoptimize to break your site, allowing you to enjoy the benefits of optimization without the headaches.