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Speeding Up a Slow-Loading Magento 2 Dashboard

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November 30, 2021


Magento 2 Dashboard: Optimize loading performance for speed! Troubleshoot and resolve the most common issues slowing down loading times for your dashboard!

How to Troubleshoot a Magento 2 Dashboard That's Slow

Clients have raised concerns about their Magento 2 dashboard loading slow.

There can be several reasons that cause dashboard loading performance to be sluggish. This article will walk the reader through the troubleshooting and optimal resolution steps for the most common issues on a per-reason basis. It applies to the following general product configuration categories:

  • Magento 2 Very Slow
  • Magento 2 Dashboard Not Working

The five major reasons that can cause your Magento 2 dashboard to load slowly are:

  1. Low PHP Memory Limit (low memory_limit value)

  2. Unused Extensions that Increase Database Reading Time

  3. Automated Reindexing After Each Product or Catalog Change

  4. Multiple JavaScript Files Instead One Merged JavaScript File

  5. Disabled Caching 


Now on a per-reason basis, let us review the best practices for speeding up a slow-lowing Magento 2 dashboard.


Reason #1: Low PHP Memory Limit (low memory_limit value)


Best Practice #1: Increasing the PHP Memory Limit


The PHP Memory Limit sets the maximum amount of memory in bytes that a script is allowed to allocate.


The PHP Memory Limit (memory_limit value) is per script, just as a highway’s speed limit is per vehicle. So, for example, although the PHP Memory Limit may be set high to 1 GB, that does not mean that scripts will pile up to use that 1 GB.


We can tweak this value by creating a file named .user.ini in your site's document root folder with the following memory_limit value:


memory_limit = 2048M

           

           

The default parameters, including the PHP Memory Limit, can be found in the article that covers the PHP defaults for customers.

Reason #2: Unused Extensions that Increase Database Reading Time


Best Practice #2: Removing Unused Extensions


One effective way to improve the Magento 2 Dashboard’s performance is to remove unused extensions. Even if we deactivate an extension, it will still exist in the database. Leaving the unused extension will increase your database’s size and therefore, also the database’s reading time. So, the additional step of removing any unused extensions is a best practice.


Once your remove the unwanted extension, the reading time of the database will be reduced and help the Magento 2 Dashboard load more quickly.


Reason #3: Automated Reindexing After Each Product or Catalog Change 


Best Practice #3: Turning Off Automated Reindexing Updates After Each Product or Catalog Change


Reindexing is one other reason for the slow performance of the Magento 2 Dashboard while saving a product. The reason is because whenever you save a product, the Magento 2 Dashboard will start to reindexing it. And, if there are many products, then it will take a lot of time to reindex them.


It is not possible to disable reindexing. However, we can turn off automated reindex updates after each product or catalog change.


To turn off automated reindexing, follow these steps:


>> Navigate to System > Index Management.

   

>>> Check all the items from the table.
  

  
 >>>> Change from UPDATE ON SAVE to UPDATE BY SCHEDULE.

        

        

Reason #4: Multiple JavaScript Files Instead of One JavaScript File


Best Practice #4: Enabling JavaScript File Merging


This option combines all JavaScript files into one file, thus reducing the number of HTTP requests made to the server by the Magento site.


To enable JavaScript file merging, follow the below steps:


>> In the Magento 2 Dashboard, select System > Configuration > Developer.

>>> Under JavaScript Settings, from the Merge JavaScript Files dropdown list, click YES.


For more details on how to optimize Magento performance, refer to the How to optimize Magento performance article.


Reason #5: Disabled Caching Slows Performance


Best Practice #5: Enabling Caching


Enabling caching helps the system to retrieve easily items that have already been accessed. Furthermore, the system can save a large amount of memory and execution time by using the cache.


Magento has a unique caching technique that helps to improve the Magento 2 Dashboard’s performance. Follow below steps to enable caching:


>> Navigate to System > Tools > Cache Management.


>>> Click the box on which cache type that we want to enable/disable.


>>>> Click the dropdown box, on the top left corner, and change this value to ENABLED.


>>>>> Now click on the Submit button. 

Useful Links

Resources for More Information

Need more help? The Applications > Magento 1 and Magento 2 sections within the Nexcess Knowledge Base are important resources for those seeking additional knowledge. Or, check out our related articles below.

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