How to Disable Cloudflare and WordPress Jetpack Statistics

I have been creating this blog for a good few years, but to be hones – I have never been too concerned about statistics. It just does not make any sense to me. This is a small blog, with specific topics, and I do not have time and any motivation to create something like a very famous personal brand using various social media. It is the reason, why I do not like statistical engines and decided to disable them completely.

A couple of years ago, I removed Google Analytics, but it does not mean there were no other alternatives. I use Cloudflare (it is not a secret) and it uses some basics statistics by default. One of the best WordPress add-on is Jetpack – ok, it has mixed reviews, but I think it is worth to install and use, even free version is great – and this add-on also enables some internal statistics by default. Last time I decided to disable both. Why is it important for me? I block ads and tracking scripts – they can slow down connections, they can slow down browser (it is always additional JavaScript to execute). Of course, it is also about privacy. If we can limit this even a bit, it is a good option. I do not want to track my readers or share any info about you with third-party companies. If it will be required for them, then I will stop using them, it is easy for me. Fortunately, so far, it is possible to just disable tracking.

Disabling Cloudflare Statistics

First, I want to show you how to disable Cloudflare statistics. It is not super clear, hidden option, but still easy to switch. After logging into dashboard, you should go to Analytics & Logs, then Web Analytics and click small link Manage site next to your domain. In next screen, you will see Real User Measurements data – it is about scripts automatically added by Cloudflare. Enabled by default, but you can switch to disable for EU (this region has strict regulations), to manual installation, or totally disable. The choice is yours.

Disabling Jetpack Statistics

The second thing is Jetpack statistics. These stats are also enabled by default and send some data to wp.com. I’m not a fan of that. These settings are also a bit hidden (strange, isn't it?). If you go to Jetpack settings, check all tabs etc. you will find exactly nothing about that. If you search over the internet, you will see some code changes, but fortunately it is not required. Jetpack has a special page to manage all items, even these not super popular. Go to Jetpack settings, scroll down and then click “Modules” text alongside version info. Then, find “Jetpack Stats” module and just disable it. It is all… but feel free to check other modules and their settings.

As a DevOps engineer and programmer, I know how important observability is. And of course, many people can disagree with such a decision: they can say, I should collect data, based on that I should improve this blog. Maybe. But for me, it is my personal space to share what I want to share with you using the form I prefer. It is not my goal to increase traffic or earn money on this blog, so… nope, I do not statistics and all the overload associated with them.