---
title: "Removing expired transients"
description: "To increase performance, WordPress plugins may use the transients API to store some data in the database. While this does increase performance, some old data can be left by disabled or removed..."
url: https://www.inmotionhosting.com/support/edu/wordpress/plugins/removing-expired-transients/
date: 2014-10-08
modified: 2023-06-09
author: "Jeff Matson"
categories: ["WordPress Plugins"]
type: post
lang: en
---

# Removing expired transients

To increase performance, WordPress plugins may use the transients API to store some data in the database. While this does increase performance, some old data can be left by disabled or removed plugins that can [adversely affect performance](/support/server/server-usage/how-can-i-view-my-accounts-resource-usage/). In this article, we will show you how to remove expired transients from your WordPress database.

## In this tutorial:

[Installing the Transient Manager plugin](#installing) [Removing expired transients](#removing)

## Install the Transient Manager plugin

1. Begin by [logging into your WordPress admin dashboard](/support/edu/wordpress/logging-into-wordpress-dashboard/).
2. [![](https://www.inmotionhosting.com/support/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/wordpress_expired-transients-1-1024x564.png)](/support/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/wordpress_expired-transients-1.png)   Next, hover over **Plugins** and click on **Add New** on the left side admin menu bar.
3. [![search for transients manager](https://www.inmotionhosting.com/support/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/wordpress_expired-transients-2.png)](/support/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/wordpress_expired-transients-2.png)   In the search box at the top right, enter **Transients Manager** and press the **Enter** key to search for the Transients Manager plugin.
4. [![search results screen](https://www.inmotionhosting.com/support/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/wordpress_expired-transients-3.png)](/support/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/wordpress_expired-transients-3.png)   You should now see a list of plugins that match your search query. In this case, the plugin your are looking for should be the first result. To install it, click the **Install Plugin** button.
5. [![Plugin installation complete notice](https://www.inmotionhosting.com/support/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/wordpress_expired-transients-4.png)](/support/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/wordpress_expired-transients-4.png)   WordPress will now handle the download and installation of the Transients Manager plugin for you. Once complete, be sure to click **Activate Plugin** to activate it.

 

## Removing expired transients

Now that you have the Transient Manager plugin installed, removing any expired transients is a breeze. In the next steps, we will show you how to do so.

1. [![Transients under Tools in left nav](https://www.inmotionhosting.com/support/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/wordpress_expired-transients-5.png)](/support/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/wordpress_expired-transients-5.png)   In the menu bar to the left side of your WordPress admin dashboard, hover over **Tools** and click on **Transients**.
2. On the top left of the page, click the button that says **Delete Expired Transients**. The plugin will now delete any expired transients in your database.

 

Become a master of [WordPress plugins](https://www.inmotionhosting.com/support/edu/wordpress/plugins/)! Protect, optimize, secure, and expand the functionality of your website easily with the help of WordPress plugins!