What is PLS by dead clicks
PLS by dead clicks shows how Perceived Load Speed (PLS) differs for sessions with dead clicks compared to those without them.
A dead click happens when a user clicks on something that doesn’t trigger any action or feedback — like text, images, or icons that look interactive but aren’t. While often caused by design, slow perceived loading (poor PLS) can amplify the sense that nothing is happening.
This breakdown helps you see whether a sluggish-feeling load is making dead clicks more common. If the page doesn’t look ready, users may assume they clicked the wrong thing.
PLS by dead clicks sample
Should you worry
In a healthy view, PLS values for dead click sessions look similar to non-dead click sessions. Dead clicks may still occur, but they’re usually caused by UX patterns, not perceived slowness.
A healthy setup typically shows:
PLS consistently fast across all sessions.
Clickable vs. non-clickable elements visually distinct.
Users not mistaking perceived delays for dead interactions.
If PLS is strong, dead clicks are more about design cues than speed.
Unhealthy PLS by dead clicks
If dead click sessions consistently show slower PLS values, perceived slowness may be making users misinterpret active elements as inactive.
Common causes include:
Late-appearing interactive elements looking inactive at first.
Blank spaces or placeholders leading users to click prematurely.
Slow-loading icons or images that appear clickable but aren’t ready.
Scripts or ads shifting content and making clicks feel unresponsive.
Here, poor PLS makes users think their clicks aren’t working.
Resolving unhealthy PLS by dead clicks
Go-to action plan to resolve an unhealthy PLS by dead clicks:
Ask Uxi to analyze your PLS by dead clicks and suggest improvements.
Use Filters to compare dead click sessions by device, region, or traffic type.
Simulate LCP of the suspected breakdown to see if fixing it will resolve the PLS by dead clicks. If yes, this is where the resolution focus should be.
Use an automated optimization tool like Navigation AI to improve your PLS by dead clicks.
Once you’ve improved PLS, set an alert to be the first to know if it starts worsening again.
Try it yourself
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