How to Disable WordPress Comments The Easy Way

Highlights:

• Navigate to the post or page, access the “Discussion” settings and select “Closed” to turn off comments.
• Use the “Bulk Edit” feature under “Posts” or “Pages” to disable comments on selected content in one go.
• Go to “Settings” > “Discussion” and uncheck “Allow people to post comments on new articles” to disable comments across your entire site.
• Control comments for custom post types (like media or portfolios) through the “Discussion” settings or with custom code.
• Adjust “Default Post Settings” under “Discussion” to prevent comments on all future posts.
• Use plugins like “Disable Comments” or “No Page Comments” to manage comments across various post types with a few clicks.

Introduction

Tired of dealing with spam comments on your WordPress site? Frustrated by hours spent moderating unrelated links and off-topic arguments? Or maybe you just want a cleaner, more streamlined look for your content.  

Whatever your reason, you’re in the right place! 

In this guide, we’ll show you exactly how to disable comments in WordPress. We’ll cover everything from shutting down comments on a single post to completely disabling them across your entire site.  

We’ll even explore some powerful alternatives to disabling comments, so you can find the perfect solution for your needs. 

Why disable comments in WordPress? 

It might seem strange to shut down comments on your WordPress site. After all, isn’t interaction a good thing? While comments can be fantastic for building a community and sparking lively discussions, they can also bring a whole lot of baggage. 

Here’s the truth: managing a comment section can be like juggling chainsaws while riding a unicycle. It takes time, effort and a whole lot of patience. Sometimes, the drawbacks simply outweigh the benefits. 

Here are a few reasons why disabling comments in WordPress might be the right move for you: 

1. Spam protection 

Let’s face it, spam comments are the worst. They clog up your moderation queue, bury genuine feedback and can even drag down your search engine rankings. Disabling comments in WordPress It’s like hitting the “easy button” for spam control. 

2. Time management 

Moderating comments takes time and effort. If you’re running a busy website, you might not have the resources to constantly monitor and filter comments. You’ve got better things to do – like creating amazing content, growing your audience and building your brand. Disabling comments frees you up to focus on what truly matters. 

3. Website security 

Comment sections can be vulnerable to security risks. Spammers often sneak in malicious links that can infect your site with malware or trick your site visitors into sharing sensitive information. Disabling comments adds a powerful layer of protection for both you and your audience. 

4. Content control 

When you disable comments in WordPress, you become the sole storyteller. This gives you complete control over your content and ensures that every word, every image and every idea aligns perfectly with your brand message. This is especially valuable for businesses and websites dealing with sensitive topics. 

5. Engagement focus 

Maybe you prefer to connect with your audience on social media, forums or via email newsletters. Disabling comments on your WordPress site allows you to streamline your engagement strategy and focus on the platforms where you truly shine. 

6. Performance improvement 

Ever felt the frustration of a slow-loading website? A heavy comment section can drag down your site’s performance, leaving visitors tapping their fingers impatiently. Disabling comments can lighten the load and create a smoother, faster experience for everyone. 

Now that you understand the benefits of disabling comments, let’s explore the practical steps involved. We’ll begin with the most granular approach: disabling comments on a single post or page 

How to disable comments on a single post/page 

Sometimes you only want to disable comments in WordPress on a specific post or page. Maybe it’s an older article, an announcement or a page where comments don’t make sense (like your “Contact Us” page). WordPress makes this super easy with its built-in settings. Here’s how: 

1. Go to the Edit screen 

In your WordPress admin dashboard, navigate to either “Posts” -> “All Posts” or “Pages” -> “All Pages” depending on what you want to edit. Find the post or page you want to modify and click “Edit.” 

2. Open the Discussion settings 

On the post or page edit screen, look at the right-hand sidebar. You’ll see a section labeled “Discussion.” If you don’t see it, click the “Settings” icon in the very top right corner of the screen and then click “Discussion” to open up the settings. 

3. Disable comments 

In the Discussion section, select Closed to disable new comments and replies for this post or page. Existing comments will remain visible, but no new comments can be added.

4. Save your changes 

Click the “Save” or “Publish” button to save your changes.  

That’s it! Comments are now disabled for that specific post or page. 

Important Note: Disabling comments won’t delete existing comments. If you want to remove those, you’ll need to delete them manually in the “Comments” section of your WordPress dashboard. 

How to disable comments on multiple posts/pages 

What if you want to disable comments in WordPress on a bunch of posts or pages at once? You could go through each one individually, but that would take forever! Luckily, WordPress has a “Bulk Edit” feature that can save you a ton of time.  

Here’s how to use it: 

1. Select your posts/pages 

Go to “Posts” -> “All Posts” or “Pages” -> “All Pages.” Check the boxes next to all the posts or pages where you want to disable comments. 

2. Initiate bulk edit 

At the top of the list, next to the “Bulk Actions” dropdown menu, select “Edit” and then click “Apply.” 

3. Disable comments 

Now you’ll see a new set of options. In the “Comments” dropdown menu, select “Do not allow.” 

4. Save the changes 

Click the “Update” button to apply the changes to all the selected posts or pages. You’ve just disabled comments on multiple pieces of content in just a few clicks! 

Tip: The bulk edit feature is ideal for disabling comments on archival content or older posts that no longer require user interaction. 

How to disable comments site wide 

If you want to turn off comments across your entire WordPress site, WordPress provides straightforward options to do so, including the comments page. This is a great option if you want to prevent spam, reduce the need for comment moderation or simply shift your focus to other forms of engagement.  

Here’s how to turn off comments site wide: 

1. Access the Discussion settings 

In your WordPress dashboard, go to “Settings” -> “Discussion.” 

3. Disable comments on existing posts 

To turn off comments on posts that are already published, you have a couple of options: 

• Option 1: Bulk edit 

Follow the steps in the section “Disabling comments on multiple posts/pages” to use the “Bulk Edit” feature and disable comments on all your existing posts at once. 

• Option 2: Automatically close comments 

In the “Discussion Settings,” under “Other comment settings,” find the option that says “Automatically close comments on articles older than ___ days.” Set the number of days to zero. This will automatically close comments on all your past posts. 

4. Disable comments on pages 

By default, WordPress disables comments on new pages. However, if you’ve enabled them in the past and want to turn them off, you can use the “Bulk Edit” feature (discussed under “How to disable comments on multiple posts/pages”) to disable comments on all your existing pages. 

5. Save Changes 

Click the “Save Changes” button at the bottom of the “Discussion Settings” page. 

Now you’ve successfully disabled comments across your entire WordPress site! 

How to disable comments on specific post types 

WordPress allows you to have different types of content, like standard posts, pages, media attachments and even custom post types if you have those set up. You might want comments enabled on some of these but not others. Here’s how to fine-tune your comment settings: 

1. Using the “Discussion” settings

• For individual posts/pages: When editing a post or page, you can control the comment settings directly within the “Discussion” section of the editor (as explained in “How to disable comments on a single post/page”). 
• For bulk editing: You can use the “Bulk Edit” feature to disable comments on multiple posts or pages of a specific post type. 

2. Using code snippets (advanced users)

If you’re comfortable working with code, you can use code snippets to disable comments on specific post types. This method involves adding code to your theme’s functions.php file. 

Example: Disabling comments on media attachments 

To disable comments on media attachments, you can add the following code snippet to your functions.php file: 

function filter_media_comment_status( $open, $post_id ) {
    $post = get_post( $post_id );
    if ( $post->post_type == 'attachment' ) {
        return false;
    }
    return $open;
}
add_filter( 'comments_open', 'filter_media_comment_status', 10, 2 );

Important Note: Always back up your WordPress site before editing your theme’s PHP file. Incorrectly modifying code can cause errors on your site. 

How to disable comments on future posts

If you want to prevent comments on all future posts moving forward, you can easily adjust your settings to ensure that comments remain disabled on future content.

1. Access the discussion settings

1. In your WordPress dashboard, go to Settings > Discussion.

2. Disable comments on new posts

1. Under Default Post Settings, locate the option Allow people to post comments on new articles.
2. Uncheck this box to stop comments on any posts published in the future.

3. Save changes

Click Save Changes at the bottom of the Discussion Settings page to apply these settings.

Now, any future posts you create will automatically have comments disabled, so you don’t need to manage comments for future posts manually

How to disable comments in WordPress using plugins 

Don’t want to mess with WordPress’s settings? No problem! Plugins offer a user-friendly way to completely disable comments in WordPress or just disable comments on certain post types like posts and pages. They can also provide extra features and make the process a bit easier, especially if you have a lot of content.  

Here are a few popular options: 

1. Disable Comments plugin: This aptly named plugin does exactly what it says! It allows you to disable comments everywhere on your site with a single click. You can also choose to disable comments on specific post types (posts, pages, media) or even remove comment-related information from your admin menu to keep things tidy. 

2. No Page Comments: This plugin is another great choice for disabling comments on your WordPress site. It provides a simple interface where you can disable comments globally or on specific post types. 

3. Thrive Comments: While not solely for disabling comments, Thrive Comments is a powerful plugin that gives you granular control over your comment section. You can completely disable comments in WordPress or use its features to encourage more positive interactions. It includes options for upvoting/downvoting, comment subscriptions and social media integrations to boost engagement. 

Let’s take a look at how to disable WordPress comments using the “Disable Comments” plugin: 

How to use the “Disable Comments” plugin 

1. Install and activate 

Go to “Plugins” -> “Add New” in your WordPress dashboard. Search for “Disable Comments”, click “Install Now,” and then “Activate.” 

2. Go to plugin settings 

Once activated, go to “Settings” -> “Disable Comments” in your dashboard. 

3. Choose where to disable comments

1. Everywhere: Select “Everywhere” to disable comments on your entire site (posts, pages, media). 

2. Specific post types: Select “On Specific Post Types” and then check the boxes for the content types where you want to disable comments (e.g., “Posts,” “Pages,” “Media”). 

4. Delete existing comments (Optional)

1. If you want to remove existing comments, go to the “Delete Comments” tab in the plugin settings. 

2. Choose to delete comments “Everywhere” or “On Certain Post Types.” 
3. Save Changes: Click the “Save Changes” button. 

That’s it! You’ve now disabled comments using the “Disable Comments” plugin. 

Important Note: If you’re using a plugin to disable comments, make sure to delete any existing comments before activating the plugin if you don’t want them to be visible. 

Alternatives to disabling comments in WordPress website

Disabling comments altogether can seem a bit drastic. You might be missing out on valuable interactions and feedback from your audience. Luckily, there are some excellent alternatives to consider that can help you manage your comment section without shutting it down completely: 

1. Enable comment moderation 

WordPress provides comment moderation tools that let you approve each comment before it appears publicly. This approach helps maintain quality discussions while filtering out spam and off-topic responses. 

• How to enable moderation? 

In your WordPress dashboard, go to “Settings” -> “Discussion.” Under “Before a comment appears,” check the box labeled “Comment must be manually approved.” This setting allows you to review each comment individually, ensuring only constructive comments are visible to your readers. 

2. Limit comments to registered users 

Requiring users to log in before commenting can greatly reduce spam, as it restricts commenting to verified site users. This setting also encourages more thoughtful engagement from those who are genuinely interested in your content. 

• How to set up registered-only comments 

Go to “Settings” -> “Discussion,” and check “Users must be registered and logged in to comment.” Be sure to have a straightforward registration process in place so interested readers can easily create an account if they want to participate. 

3. Use an anti-spam plugin

Tired of dealing with spam comments? These plugins can be a lifesaver! 

• Akismet: This popular plugin, often pre-installed on WordPress sites, automatically filters out spam comments before they even reach your moderation queue. Akismet uses a powerful algorithm to identify spam based on various factors, saving you time and hassle. 
• Antispam Bee: Another effective spam-fighting plugin, Antispam Bee blocks spam comments without using CAPTCHAs or requiring user registration. It analyzes comments for suspicious patterns and can even block comments from specific countries or IP addresses. 

4. Turn off comments on older posts only

Comments on older posts are often targeted by spammers, making these posts more vulnerable to unwanted comments. By disabling comments on older content, you can focus moderation efforts on recent posts. 

• How to close comments on older posts 

In the “Settings” -> “Discussion” menu, find “Automatically close comments on articles older than ___ days.” Enter a specific time frame, such as 30 or 60 days, to close comments on older posts, while keeping the discussion open on fresh content.

5. Limit the number of links in comments

Spam comments frequently contain multiple links, which can be a red flag for both readers and search engines. Limiting the number of WordPress comments links can help reduce spam without needing to disable comments entirely. 

• How to limit links? 

Within “Settings” -> “Discussion,” look for “Comment moderation” settings. Here, set the maximum number of links allowed per comment (e.g., 1 or 2 links). Any comment exceeding this limit will be held for moderation.

Troubleshooting common issues with disabling comments in WordPress 

Even with WordPress’s built-in settings and plugins, some issues may arise when disabling comments, especially if changes aren’t being applied as expected. Here are some common problems and troubleshooting tips to ensure your comment settings function correctly. 

1. Comments still displaying after disabling site wide 

If comments are still visible on certain posts or pages after you’ve disabled them site wide, it may be due to caching issues or WordPress theme-specific overrides. 

• Clear cache 

Cached versions of your site may still show old settings. If you use a caching plugin like WP Super Cache or W3 Total Cache, clear the cache by navigating to the plugin’s settings. Alternatively, clear your browser cache and reload the page to see the updated settings. 

• Check theme settings 

Some themes include their own comment settings that can override WordPress’s default options. In your WordPress dashboard, go to “Appearance” > “Customize” and check if your theme has specific options for managing comments. Disable comments here if the option is available. 

2. Comments not disabling on specific post types 

For custom post types, such as portfolios or products, comments may not be disabled using standard settings. Custom post types often require additional steps to ensure comments are disabled across these areas. 

• Using code snippets 

Add a code snippet to your functions.php file to disable comments on specific post types. For example, if you want to disable comments on media attachments, use the following code: 

• Using plugins with custom post type options 

Some plugins, like Disable Comments, offer the option to turn off comments on specific post types, including custom types like media and portfolios. Verify the plugin settings to ensure these options are enabled. 

3. Bulk edit not applying to all selected posts 

When using the bulk edit feature to disable comments on multiple posts, sometimes not all posts are updated, especially if you’re working with a large volume of content. 

• Break into smaller batches 

If bulk edits aren’t applying, try selecting fewer posts at a time (e.g., 10-20 posts) and reapplying the changes. This reduces the chance of server timeout issues and ensures that each update is applied successfully. 

4. Comments re-enabling after plugin update 

Occasionally, plugin updates or theme changes may reset comment settings, causing previously disabled comments to reappear. 

• Re-check plugin settings 

After updating plugins like Disable Comments or No Page Comment, review your plugin settings to confirm that comments are still disabled as you intended. In some cases, updates can reset plugin settings to default. 

• Test after theme updates 

Theme updates can sometimes override customizations or revert settings. After a theme update, verify the comment settings by checking a few posts or pages and adjust them if necessary. 

5. Existing comments not deleted after disabling comments 

Disabling comments prevents new comments but doesn’t delete existing ones. If previous comments still show up, you may need to delete them manually. 

• Manual deletion of existing comments 

Go to “Comments” in your WordPress dashboard, where you can select all comments and delete them. Alternatively, if you have many comments, use the “Bulk Actions” dropdown to delete comments in batches. 

6. Spam filtering not working effectively 

If you’ve kept comments enabled but are receiving high volumes of spam, your anti-spam plugins may need adjustment. 

• Optimize spam plugin settings 

Plugins like Akismet and Antispam Bee have adjustable settings. For instance, you can increase the strictness of filtering criteria in Akismet or enable specific IP or keyword blacklisting in Antispam Bee. Verify that these plugins are active and configured for maximum protection. 

• Add CAPTCHA or Honeypot Protection 

Consider adding CAPTCHA or honeypot methods to your comment form to prevent spam bots from submitting comments. Plugins like reCAPTCHA by BestWebSoft or Honeypot for WordPress add an extra layer of protection. 

Final thoughts

And there you have it! You’re now equipped to manage comments on WordPress like a pro. You can disable them entirely, use plugins for a fine-tuned approach or explore alternative solutions that fit your site’s goals. With these tools, you can shape your site’s comment experience exactly how you want. 

A well-managed comment section can foster a strong community, encourage valuable interactions and create an inviting space for readers. Sometimes, though, disabling comments or choosing the right alternatives is the best way to keep your site clean, secure and focused. 

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With Bluehost, you’ll have access to a variety of hosting plans and tools that make managing WordPress simple and efficient. Our user-friendly interface, reliable uptime and expert support help you focus on what matters most—sharing great content with the world. 

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