What is Gzip Compression?

Gzip compression makes your website load faster. It reduces file sizes.

Smaller files travel quicker over the internet. This helps your site speed.

Why Enable Gzip Compression?

Gzip compression improves your website’s performance. Faster websites are better for users.

Search engines like Google rank fast websites higher. This means more visitors for you.

Checking if Gzip is Already Enabled

First, you need to check if Gzip is already enabled. There are tools online for this.

One such tool is Check Gzip Compression. Enter your website URL and see the result.

Method 1: Enable Gzip Compression via .htaccess

Step-by-step Guide

Follow these steps to enable Gzip using .htaccess:

1. Open your WordPress files using an FTP client.
2. Find the .htaccess file in the root directory.
3. Edit the .htaccess file using a text editor.
4. Add the following code to the file:

                # BEGIN Gzip Compression
                
                # Compress HTML, CSS, JavaScript, Text, XML, and fonts
                AddOutputFilterByType DEFLATE application/javascript
                AddOutputFilterByType DEFLATE application/rss+xml
                AddOutputFilterByType DEFLATE application/vnd.ms-fontobject
                AddOutputFilterByType DEFLATE application/x-font
                AddOutputFilterByType DEFLATE application/x-font-opentype
                AddOutputFilterByType DEFLATE application/x-font-otf
                AddOutputFilterByType DEFLATE application/x-font-truetype
                AddOutputFilterByType DEFLATE application/x-font-ttf
                AddOutputFilterByType DEFLATE application/x-javascript
                AddOutputFilterByType DEFLATE application/xhtml+xml
                AddOutputFilterByType DEFLATE application/xml
                AddOutputFilterByType DEFLATE font/opentype
                AddOutputFilterByType DEFLATE font/otf
                AddOutputFilterByType DEFLATE font/ttf
                AddOutputFilterByType DEFLATE image/svg+xml
                AddOutputFilterByType DEFLATE image/x-icon
                AddOutputFilterByType DEFLATE text/css
                AddOutputFilterByType DEFLATE text/html
                AddOutputFilterByType DEFLATE text/javascript
                AddOutputFilterByType DEFLATE text/plain
                AddOutputFilterByType DEFLATE text/xml
                # Remove browser bugs
                BrowserMatch ^Mozilla/4 gzip-only-text/html
                BrowserMatch ^Mozilla/4\.0[678] no-gzip
                BrowserMatch \bMSIE !no-gzip !gzip-only-text/html
                Header append Vary User-Agent
                
                # END Gzip Compression
            

5. Save the .htaccess file.
6. Upload it back to your server.

Gzip compression should now be enabled on your site.

Method 2: Enable Gzip Compression via a Plugin

Step-by-step Guide

Using a plugin is easier for beginners. Follow these steps:

1. Go to your WordPress dashboard.
2. Click on “Plugins” and then “Add New”.
3. Search for “WP Super Cache” plugin.
4. Install and activate the plugin.
5. Go to “Settings” and then “WP Super Cache”.
6. Click on the “Advanced” tab.
7. Check the box that says “Compress pages so they’re served more quickly to visitors”.
8. Click “Update Status” to save changes.

Gzip compression is now enabled using the plugin.

Credit: kinsta.com

Method 3: Enable Gzip Compression via Hosting Control Panel

Step-by-step Guide

Some hosting providers offer Gzip compression. Follow these steps:

1. Log in to your hosting control panel (cPanel, Plesk, etc.).
2. Find the “Optimize Website” or “Gzip Compression” option.
3. Select “Compress All Content” or similar option.
4. Save the settings.

Gzip compression should now be enabled through your hosting control panel.

Verifying Gzip Compression

After enabling Gzip compression, you need to verify it. Use the Check Gzip Compression tool again.

Enter your website URL and check the result. It should say Gzip is enabled.

Credit: torquemag.io

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is Gzip Compression In WordPress?

Gzip compression reduces the file size of your website, speeding up load times.

How Does Gzip Compression Work?

Gzip compresses files before sending them to the browser, making your site load faster.

Why Should I Enable Gzip Compression?

Enabling Gzip improves site speed, which enhances user experience and SEO rankings.

Is Gzip Compression Enabled By Default In WordPress?

No, Gzip compression is not enabled by default in WordPress. You need to enable it manually.

Conclusion

Enabling Gzip compression is important. It makes your website faster.

You can enable Gzip using .htaccess, a plugin, or your hosting control panel.

Verify Gzip compression to ensure it’s working. Enjoy a faster website!