Bulk deleting images from the WordPress media library can be done using several methods. Depending on your specific needs and preferences here are a few ways to accomplish this task:
Using the Media Library in the WordPress Admin Panel
- Go to your WordPress admin panel and navigate to Media > Library.
- Switch to Bulk. Check out the screenshot – https://prnt.sc/Fz6_1RrBGYof
- Use the filters or search function to locate the images you want to delete.
- Select the images by clicking on the checkboxes next to their thumbnails.
- Once you’ve selected the images you want to delete, click on the Bulk Select dropdown menu and choose Delete Permanently.
- Confirm the deletion when prompted.
Installing a Plugin
- There are several plugins available in the WordPress Plugin Repository that can help you bulk delete images from the media library. One popular option is Media Cleaner.
- Install and activate the plugin from the Plugins > Add New section in your WordPress admin panel.
- Once activated, go to Media > Cleaner to configure the plugin settings.
- Use the plugin’s tools to scan your media library for unused or orphaned images, then bulk delete the ones you no longer need.

Using FTP or File Manager
- Suppose you have a large number of images to delete and prefer a more manual approach. In that case, you can use FTP (File Transfer Protocol) or your web hosting control panel’s file manager to access your WordPress installation’s uploads folder.
- Navigate to wp-content/uploads/ directory.
- Locate the folders containing the images you want to delete and delete them manually. Be cautious with this method, as deleting files directly from the server can’t be undone, and it’s essential to ensure you’re only deleting the images you no longer need.
Regardless of the method you choose, it’s crucial to back up your WordPress site before performing bulk deletions to prevent accidental data loss.