Install and Configure Heartbeat Control

Here we discuss how to install and configure Heartbeat Control for WordPress.  This process involves the installation of the plugin on the WordPress Administrator Dashboard.  Heartbeat Control can help address high admin-ajax.php usage.  Lowering admin-ajax.php usage can help improve overall site performance.  

Heartbeat Control Installation

1. Log into the WordPress dashboard
2. Hover over Plugins and click Add New
   
   
3. Type Heartbeat Control into the Search field in the upper right search bar
   
4. Click on the Install Now button next to Heartbeat Control plugin
   
5. Once installed, click Activate

Configure Heartbeat Control

NOTE: Configuration values vary site-to-site.

1. Log into the WordPress dashboard
2. The configuration interface can be found in the dashboard by clicking Settings, then click Heartbeat Control
   
3. Select site locations that are causing the highest admin-ajax.php usage
   TIP: The most common is the WordPress dashboard.
4. Configure to Modify Heartbeat
5. Set the largest appropriate value for Override Heartbeat frequency 
   
   TIP: The value180 for Override Heartbeat frequency is a good place to start if you're completely unsure.
   TIP: Refer to the third-party Heartbeat Control article for screenshots with examples of settings.