Configure the WordPress heartbeat

WordPress heartbeat is an API service introduced from WordPress version 3.6. As the name indicates, heartbeat API sends continuous pulse (technically referred as tick) to perform periodic tasks. This helps the browser to talk with the server using AJAX calls and provide real-time information on the WordPress dashboard. This can also use up large amounts of resources.

Install the Heartbeat Control Plugin to counter heartbeat.

To install the Heartbeat Control plugin, please follow these steps:

• Log in to the WordPress as an administrator.

• Click on Plugins.

• Click on Add New.

• In the search field, type, Heartbeat Control and then click Search Plugins.

• Select Heartbeat Control and click on the Install Now button.

• Once the plugin installation is complete, click Activate Plugin button.

Configure the Heartbeat Control plugin

Once Heartbeat plugin installation is complete, we need to configure it. Please follow steps below:

• Log in to your WordPress as the administrator.

• Click Settings and then Heartbeat Control. The general settings page for the plugin will pop up.

• There are three main settings: WordPress Dashboard, Frontend, and Post editor.

By default, all of the settings are set to allow the heartbeat. If you want to disable it, then click on Disable Heartbeat. 

To disable heartbeat functionality entirely, select Disable everywhere.

To disable heartbeat functionality on the dashboard, select Disable on dashboard page.

To enable heartbeat functionality only on post edit pages, select Allow only on post edit pages.

• To modify a heartbeat to a specific frequency, click on Modify Heartbeat. In the Override heartbeat frequency list box, select the interval for the heartbeat “ping” messages that the browser sends to the server.

• Click Save Changes.