Description
The plugin scans WordPress data, builds a reference index, and lists attachments for which no supported reference was found.
Supported sources include:
* Post content, blocks, shortcodes, lazy-load data, and srcset
* Post meta, custom fields, ACF, and SCF data
* Elementor data
* WooCommerce product images and galleries
* Options, widgets, term meta, and user meta
* Active/parent theme PHP, CSS, and JavaScript files
* Eligible custom database tables
* Developer-registered custom scanners
Dashboard: Tools -> Unused Media
Safety
- No automatic deletion.
- Results are Potentially Unused, not guaranteed unused.
- A final reference check runs before deletion.
- Full scans run in background batches.
- Targeted re-scans can run after site changes.
How It Works
After activation, a background scan starts automatically. The plugin indexes detected references and classifies attachments as In Use or Potentially Unused.
The dashboard shows scan status, logs, scan time, and results. Use Run Full Scan for a complete rescan.
If WP-Cron is unreliable, configure server cron for wp-cron.php or keep the dashboard open during scanning.
Results
The dashboard includes search, filtering, list/grid views, attachment details, and Media Library links.
You can delete individual files, selected files, or all files matching the current filters.
WordPress’s standard attachment deletion API is used.
Limitations
Detection is not guaranteed for:
* Dynamically generated URLs
* External APIs or remote services
* Some CDN/offloaded media
* Plugin source files and unsupported filesystem locations
* Unsupported custom database formats
* Some numeric attachment IDs
* WordPress Multisite, which is not currently verified
Always review files before deleting them, especially on sites using CDNs, offloaded media, or third-party integrations.
Developer Extension
Developers can add custom scanners using the
media_cleanup_scout_additional_reference_sources filter.
Data
The plugin stores its scan index, results, logs, settings, and scan state in plugin-managed data.
Deactivation clears scan data and scheduled jobs. Uninstalling removes plugin-managed data and settings.
Screenshots
Installation
- Upload the plugin to
/wp-content/plugins/. - Activate it from Plugins.
- Open Tools -> Unused Media.
- Review the results after the first scan.
FAQ
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Is a file guaranteed to be unused?
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No. Dynamic or unsupported references may not be detected.
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Does it support ACF, SCF, Elementor, and WooCommerce?
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Yes, supported media references from these systems are scanned.
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Does it scan theme files?
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Yes. The active theme and applicable parent theme are checked for literal uploads-path references.
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Does it scan custom database tables?
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Yes, when detectable local uploads-path references are present in supported tables.
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What if WP-Cron is disabled?
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Use a server cron job or keep the dashboard open during the scan.
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Can a used file appear as unused?
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Yes. This can happen with dynamic PHP/JavaScript URLs, external services, CDN/offloaded media, or unsupported database formats.
Reviews
There are no reviews for this plugin.
Contributors & Developers
“Unused Media Usage Audit by CodeCaste” is open source software. The following people have contributed to this plugin.
Contributors
Translate “Unused Media Usage Audit by CodeCaste” into your language.
Interested in development?
Browse the code, check out the SVN repository, or subscribe to the development log by RSS.
Changelog
1.3.1
- Updated plugin URI, version, and documentation.
1.3.0
- Rebranded to Unused Media Usage Audit by CodeCaste.
- Updated slug/text domain and internal prefixes.
- Fresh scan/settings state after upgrade.
1.2.3
- Improved WordPress.org compliance and settings migration.
- Moved dashboard to Tools -> Unused Media.
1.2.2
- Added scan-recency and WP-Cron notices.
- Added WooCommerce gallery change detection.
1.2.0
- Improved security, performance, concurrency, and scan coverage.
- Added custom scanner support and cleanup improvements.
1.1.0
- Initial public release.