Why unattached media is not automatically unused and how to review it before cleanup.
Why this check matters
An attachment can be used in a page builder, custom field or external reference without having a post parent. The relationship field alone cannot tell you whether it is safe to remove.
How to review it
- Review the media item, filename, alt text and upload date.
- Search content and templates for references.
- Keep shared assets with a documented owner.
- Delete only after a backup and a link check.
Keep the change safe
Use the media library’s relationship as a clue, not a verdict. Bulk deletion is hard to reverse without a tested backup.
How WPVitals uses this signal
WPVitals checks this setting locally and reports the result in the WordPress dashboard. The check is a maintenance signal, so review the site context before changing a setting and test the visitor experience afterwards.