How to Disable Dashicons WordPress Website?

Updated On : May 18, 2026By : Reading Time : 1 minute

Key Takeaways

  • Nexter Extension includes a one-click option to disable Dashicons on the WordPress frontend, reducing unnecessary HTTP requests.
  • Dashicons is the official icon font of WordPress, primarily used in the admin section but sometimes loaded on the frontend by plugins.
  • Disabling Dashicons is best for performance-focused sites aiming to reduce CSS files and improve Core Web Vitals audits.
Table of Contents

Dashicons is the official icon font of WordPress, and is used to provide a consistent user interface across all WordPress websites. The “dashicons.min.css” file, while it is mainly used in the WordPress admin section but some plugins still use it and loads this file in frontend as well. This will add an additional HTTP request.

The Nexter Extension (Free) plugin includes a one-click option to disable Dashicons on the WordPress frontend, reducing unnecessary HTTP requests.

Best Used For:

  • WordPress sites using custom icon fonts or SVG icons that do not rely on the Dashicons library.
  • Performance-focused sites aiming to reduce the number of CSS files loaded on the frontend.
  • Sites running Core Web Vitals audits where eliminating render-blocking CSS is a priority.

Learn via Video Tutorial

Youtube video

Why Disable Dashicons?

Most themes and plugins have their own icon system and they don’t use dashicons. So it is unnecessary to load this file on every page and increase the page load time.  

How to Disable Dashicons with The Nexter Extension?

To do this, go to Nexter → Extensions → Performance.

Then go to the Advanced Performance section, enable the toggle, and click on the gear icon (⚙).

How to Disable Dashicons WordPress Website?

In the Advanced Performance popup, go to Disable Dashicons and enable the toggle.

Click Save.

disable dashicons

This will remove the “dashicons.min.css” file from the frontend but it will load for the WordPress admin panel.

About the Author

Photo of Aditya Sharma CMO of NexterWP
CMO at POSIMYTH Innovations · NexterWP · 7 years experience

He has spent years in the WordPress ecosystem building, breaking, and optimizing sites until they actually perform. He works at the intersection of speed, growth, and usability, helping creators ship websites that load fast and convert. An active WordPress community contributor sharing through tools, tutorials, and direct collaboration. Tested practice, not theory.

WordPressThemesElementorn8nAIClaudeAutomationServer
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Related Frequently Asked Questions

Why should I consider disabling Dashicons?

Most themes and plugins use their own icon systems, making Dashicons unnecessary for many users. By disabling it, you can reduce the number of HTTP requests and potentially speed up your site's loading time. This is especially important for performance optimization, as every additional request can slow down page delivery.

How do I troubleshoot if Dashicons are still loading after I disable them?

If Dashicons continue to load after you've disabled them using the Nexter Extension, check to ensure that you've saved your changes in the Advanced Performance settings. Additionally, clear your site cache and browser cache, as cached files may still reference the Dashicons CSS. If issues persist, review any active plugins that might be re-enabling Dashicons.

What are the best practices for optimizing site performance with Nexter Extension?

To optimize site performance with the Nexter Extension, consider disabling unnecessary features like Dashicons, as well as minimizing the number of active plugins. Regularly review your site's performance metrics and adjust settings in the Advanced Performance section to ensure optimal loading times. This proactive approach can significantly enhance user experience.

What should I do if I need Dashicons for a specific plugin?

If a plugin requires Dashicons for proper functionality, you should not disable them using the Nexter Extension. Instead, evaluate whether the benefits of using the plugin outweigh the performance impact. If necessary, you can selectively enable Dashicons for that plugin while keeping them disabled for the rest of your site to maintain optimal performance.

Last reviewed: May 19, 2026

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