Easy Fix For WordPress Plugin Conflicts 

A plugin conflict is often the first set of diagnostics that you run when troubleshooting a WordPress error. Frustrating but easy to solve. 

WordPress plugins are like spices in a recipe; sprinkle them strategically, and you’ll create a masterpiece. But the wrong combination can leave a bitter taste—or worse, a broken website. 

However, here’s the good news: You don’t need to panic. In this article we’ll go over how to identify a plugin conflict and what to do once you find it. We’ll walk you though it all. 

TL;DR: Use MalCare to create a staging site for safely troubleshooting WordPress plugin conflicts. This ensures your live site remains stable and secure.

Understanding WordPress plugin conflicts

Plugin conflicts arise when it interferes with other plugins, the theme or the WordPress core. It leads to errors or unexpected behavior. 

For starters, it can cause conflicts with other plugins because of code incompatibility and overlapping features. For example, two malware scanner plugins may clash in the way they flag unauthorised users. 

Outdated plugins can be incompatible with the latest WordPress or plugin updates as well. This can cause it not to function correctly. This is why we recommend that you keep everything updated, at all times.  

Plugin problems may arise when themes override plugin functions. Changes in server settings can also complicate plugin operations.

Symptoms of Plugin Conflicts:

• Site crashes or errors
• Slow performance
• Missing functionality
• Display issues

How to identify plugin conflicts on your WordPress site?

With the average WordPress site running between 15 to 20 plugins, identifying plugin conflicts can become a time consuming task. Unfortunately, there’s no error message to pinpoint the problem for you. No error log that you can check. Instead you have to deactivate each plugin to check if the problem disappears. Problem gone, means that was the one. 

Each plugin must be checked individually. 

But, you can’t deactivate your plugins on the whim. For example, if you deactivate a security plugin, you may be susceptible to malware for that window. This is why we recommend you  build a staging site and test everything on it. 

Expert advice: MalCare offers one-click staging. 

1. From the Admin Panel

Diagnosing a plugin conflict from the WordPress admin panel is the most straightforward method available. With admin access, you can systematically test plugins without needing additional tools, keeping your live site stable while resolving issues. Here’s how you can do it:

1. Log into your WordPress dashboard.
2. Navigate to the Plugins section to view all installed plugins.

3. Temporarily deactivate all plugins by selecting them and choosing Deactivate from the Bulk Actions menu, then click Apply.
4. Check your site to see if the issue persists. If the problem disappears, a plugin conflict is likely the cause.
5. Reactivate your plugins one by one until the issue returns. The plugin activated last is likely causing the conflict.

2. Using cPanel

When you can’t access the admin panel, cPanel becomes an invaluable tool. Many web hosts offer cPanel, a control panel for managing server files directly. Here’s how you can use it to track down a conflicting plugin:

1. Log into your host account’s cPanel via their website.
2. Open File Manager to navigate your website’s files.
3. Locate the WordPress installation folder, typically under public_html, then go to wp-content and open the plugins directory.

1. Rename the plugins folder to something like “plugins_deactivated” to disable all plugins at once.
2. Check your site for improvements. If it functions correctly, a plugin conflict was causing the problem.
3. Rename the folder back to “plugins” and individually rename each plugin folder, reactivating them one by one to find the conflict source.

3. Using an FTP Client

If cPanel isn’t an option, an FTP client like Cyberduck can be used. This requires your FTP credentials, including username, password, and IP address. Follow the steps below to identify the problematic plugin:

1. Open Cyberduck and click Open Connection for a new session.

2. Choose FTP as the connection type and enter your public IP, username, and password, then click Connect.
3. Navigate to your WordPress installation folder, usually under public_html, then to wp-content/plugins.
4. Rename the plugins folder to “plugins_off,” deactivating all plugins.
5. Check if the site’s issues are resolved—indicating a plugin conflict.
6. Rename the folder back to “plugins” and rename each plugin folder individually to isolate the conflict. Reactivate them one at a time to identify the faulty plugin.

How to resolve plugin conflicts on your WordPress site

Once you’ve identified the conflicting plugin it’s time to fix the issue and restore your site’s functionality. But, this can vary depending on what caused the conflict suddenly. So, ask yourself the following questions:

Is there an update?

If the problematic plugin has an update, the outdated software could be the problem. Start by creating a staging site using tools like MalCare. This lets you test updates without affecting your live site. On the staging site, update the plugin to ensure compatibility with your setup. Then, click Merge on MalCare’s staging sections and make the update live. 

Expert Advice: Updates can interfere with themes or other plugins. Use Safe Updates to automate precautions, ensuring a smooth update process.

Was it recently updated?

If the plugin started causing problems after a recent update, consider rolling back to a previous version. Use a tool like WP Rollback or restore a backup taken before the update. Inform plugin developers of the issue for them to release a future fix. Once that update is released, update the plugin again. 

Is the plugin maintained by the developers?

An abandoned plugin—one with no updates for months or years—poses compatibility and security risks. If a plugin seems unsupported, consider switching to an actively maintained alternative with frequent updates. This ensures your site remains stable and secure, benefiting from the latest features and improvements.

How to prevent WordPress plugin conflicts?

Keeping your WordPress site running smoothly involves proactive steps to prevent plugin conflicts. Here’s how you can do it effectively:

• Always create a complete backup before making any changes. This lets you restore your site quickly if something goes wrong.
• First conduct updates on a test site—a replica of your live site. This avoids disruptions on your main site.
• Opt for well-coded plugins from trusted sources like the WordPress Plugin Repository. They are more reliable and secure.
• Install only the plugins essential for your site to minimize conflicts and enhance performance.
• Regularly update plugins, themes, and WordPress core to maintain compatibility and security.
• Verify new plugins’ compatibility with your setup before installation to avoid issues.
• Check user feedback for plugins to identify potential conflicts experienced by others.
• Disable redundant functionalities in plugins that offer similar features to avoid clashes.
• Update plugins one at a time and check site functionality. Revert if any issues arise.
• Begin with smaller updates, such as bug fixes and minor improvements, to reduce risk.

Final thoughts

Managing numerous plugins can be time-consuming and often prompts a reassessment of the plugins in use. This process can motivate you to eliminate unnecessary plugins, helping to maintain a cleaner and more efficient site. To ease this burden, consider using tools like MalCare, which simplify backup and staging processes. These tools ensure you can troubleshoot and resolve conflicts with minimal hassle. With the right tools and knowledge, you can keep your WordPress site running smoothly.

FAQs

Why do conflicts happen? 

Conflicts occur when two or more plugins interfere with each other’s functionality, often due to similar functions or overlapping tasks. Incompatibilities can also arise when a plugin is outdated or not aligned with the latest WordPress updates, themes, or other plugins.

How to resolve plugin conflict? 

To resolve a plugin conflict, start by identifying the conflicting plugin through systematic deactivation, either via the WordPress admin panel or using tools like cPanel or an FTP client. Once identified, check for available updates or consider rolling back to a previous version if the issue arose from a recent update. If the plugin is abandoned, seek alternatives. Always test changes on a staging site where possible.

How do I check for plugin conflicts in WordPress? 

You can check for plugin conflicts by deactivating all plugins and reactivating them one by one from the WordPress admin panel. Observe your site’s behavior with each activation to identify the conflicting plugin. If the admin panel is inaccessible, use cPanel or an FTP client to rename the plugins folder and conduct the same systematic deactivation process.

How to fix WordPress plugin error? 

Fix WordPress plugin errors by first identifying the culprit through deactivation strategies. Check for available updates or compatibility issues. If an update is available, test it on a staging site and always back up your site first. If no update is available, consider using a rollback plugin to revert to an older version or seek a compatible alternative.

How to repair a plugin in WordPress? 

Repairing a plugin involves ensuring its latest version is compatible with your WordPress environment. If issues persist, consult the plugin’s documentation or support forums for known issues and fixes. Disable and reactivate the plugin to reset its settings, or reinstall it completely. If the plugin is essential but remains problematic, contacting the developer for support is advisable.