> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://help.appplaza.app/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://help.appplaza.app/speed-optimizer/speed-up/lazy-load-images.md).

# 🖼️ Lazy load images

{% hint style="info" %}

### Who can use this feature?

Lazy load (images) is available on the **Pro** and **Expert** plans.
{% endhint %}

### What is Lazy load (images)?

Normally, a browser tries to load every image on the page at once, even the ones way down at the bottom. That slows everything down.

With lazy load on, images stay paused until a customer scrolls close to them. Pages with lots of photos feel much snappier.

This works on images in:

* Theme files
* Product, collection, and blog descriptions
* Regular pages

### Why use Lazy load (images)?

* **Faster initial load** — the browser only loads images customers can actually see.
* **Big win for image-heavy stores** — long, photo-rich pages feel much snappier.
* **Better Core Web Vitals** — less upfront work means a quicker first paint.
* **No visual change** — images still appear normally as customers scroll; they just load on demand.

### ⚙️ How to use Lazy load (images)

#### Step 1: Open Self-optimize

Go to **Speed up → Self-optimize**.

*\[Screenshot: Speed up page with Self-optimize tab open]*

#### Step 2: Turn on Lazy load (images)

Turn on **Lazy load (images)**.

*\[Screenshot: feature toggle switched on]*

#### Step 3: Apply to your theme

Click **Speed up now** and pick a theme to apply changes.

*\[Screenshot: Speed up now button and theme selection modal]*

#### Step 4: Verify it's working

To check it's working, open your store and look at any image in the page source — it should have `loading="lazy"` on it.

*\[Screenshot: browser inspector showing loading="lazy" attribute on an image tag]*

### 📌 Merchant Notes

* Images at the top of your page (the first thing customers see) still load **right away** — no delay.
* Always click **Speed up now** after turning this on to apply the changes.
* The biggest gains come on **image-heavy pages** with lots of photos below the fold.
* This feature requires the **Pro** or **Expert** plan.
* For an overview of all optimization features, see [**Speed up**](/speed-optimizer/speed-up.md).

Contact us in live chat if you have any problems.


---

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