How to Fix WordPress Plugin Conflicts (Step-by-Step Guide)

Plugin conflicts can wreak havoc on your WordPress site, causing errors, slow performance, or even a complete crash. If you’ve ever installed a new plugin only to see your site break, you’re not alone. In this step-by-step guide, I’ll show you how to diagnose and fix WordPress plugin conflicts, even if you’re new to WordPress. With clear instructions, code snippets, and expert tips, you’ll have your site running smoothly in no time. Let’s dive in!

What Causes WordPress Plugin Conflicts?

A plugin conflict occurs when two or more plugins interfere with each other, often due to:

• Incompatible Code: Plugins use conflicting JavaScript, CSS, or PHP functions.
• Overlapping Features: Multiple plugins try to handle the same task (e.g., SEO or caching).
• Outdated Plugins: Old versions aren’t compatible with your WordPress core or theme.
• Resource Overload: Too many plugins strain server resources, causing errors.
• Theme Incompatibility: A plugin clashes with your theme’s code.

This tutorial will guide you through identifying and resolving these issues, ensuring your site stays stable.

Prerequisites

• Access to your WordPress admin panel and site files (via FTP or hosting file manager).
• Basic WordPress knowledge (I’ll keep it beginner-friendly!).
• A backup of your site (use UpdraftPlus for free, reliable backups).

Note: Stable hosting reduces plugin-related issues. I recommend SiteGround for their optimized WordPress environment and fast support.

Step 1: Enable Debug Mode to Spot Errors

Plugin conflicts often trigger PHP errors that aren’t visible by default. Let’s enable WordPress debugging to find the culprit.

1. Access Your Site’s Files:
   • Use FTP (e.g., FileZilla) or your hosting’s file manager (e.g., SiteGround’s cPanel).
   • Navigate to the root folder (usually public_html or www).
2. Edit wp-config.php:
   • Locate wp-config.php in the root folder.
   • Open it in a text editor (e.g., VS Code).
   • Add or modify these lines before /* That's all, stop editing! */:

define('WP_DEBUG', true);
define('WP_DEBUG_LOG', true);
define('WP_DEBUG_DISPLAY', false);
Code language: JavaScript (javascript)

• Save and upload the file.

3. Check the Debug Log:
   • Visit your site to trigger the error (e.g., a broken page or admin panel).
   • Open wp-content/debug.log via FTP or file manager.
   • Look for errors like: “Fatal error: Call to undefined function in plugin-x.php” (indicates the faulty plugin).

Why It Works: Debugging logs pinpoint which plugin is causing the conflict, saving you guesswork.

Pro Tip: Use Query Monitor (self-hosted) for real-time debugging of plugin errors.

Step 2: Deactivate All Plugins

The fastest way to confirm a plugin conflict is to disable all plugins and test your site.

1. Via Admin Panel (if accessible):
   • Log in to yoursite.com/wp-admin.
   • Go to Plugins > Installed Plugins.
   • Select all plugins, choose “Deactivate” from the bulk actions dropdown, and click Apply.
2. Via FTP (if admin is inaccessible):
   • Go to wp-content/plugins/ via FTP or file manager.
   • Rename the plugins folder to plugins-disabled (this deactivates all plugins without deleting them).
3. Test Your Site:
   • Visit your homepage, posts, and admin panel (yoursite.com/wp-admin).
   • If the issue (e.g., error, slow loading) is gone, a plugin is the cause.

Note: WordPress.com free plan users may need to deactivate plugins one by one via the admin panel, as FTP access is limited.

Step 3: Identify the Faulty Plugin

Now that you’ve confirmed a plugin conflict, let’s find the culprit.

1. Restore Plugins Folder (if using FTP):
   • Rename plugins-disabled back to plugins.
   • Create a temporary folder, e.g., plugins-temp, in wp-content.
2. Test Plugins One by One:
   • Move one plugin folder (e.g., akismet) to plugins-temp to deactivate it.
   • Test your site (refresh pages, check admin).
   • Repeat, moving plugins back to plugins one at a time, until the issue reappears.
   • The last plugin moved before the issue returns is the culprit.
3. Via Admin Panel (alternative):
   • Reactivate plugins one by one under Plugins > Installed Plugins.
   • Test after each activation until the issue recurs.

Example: If activating plugin-x causes a white screen, it’s conflicting with another plugin or your theme.

Affiliate Link: SiteGround’s staging lets you test plugins safely before going live.

Step 4: Check for Specific Conflicts

Some plugins conflict with others due to overlapping features (e.g., two SEO plugins).

1. Identify Overlapping Plugins:
   • List plugins with similar functions (e.g., Yoast SEO vs. Rank Math, WP Rocket vs. W3 Total Cache).
   • Common culprits: SEO, caching, security, or form plugins.
2. Deactivate Redundant Plugins:
   • Choose one plugin per function (e.g., keep Yoast SEO, deactivate Rank Math).
   • Test your site after each deactivation.
3. Check Plugin Compatibility:
   • Visit the plugin’s WordPress.org page (e.g., Yoast SEO).
   • Check “Tested up to” version against your WordPress core (e.g., 6.6+).
   • Update outdated plugins or replace with alternatives.

Pro Tip: Install Yoast SEO to optimize your site while avoiding conflicts.

Step 5: Test Your Theme

A theme can conflict with plugins, especially if it includes custom functionality (e.g., shortcodes, scripts).

1. Switch to a Default Theme:
   • Go to Appearance > Themes.
   • Activate a default theme like Twenty Twenty-Four.
   • Self-Hosted: Via FTP, rename your theme folder (e.g., astra to astra-disabled) in wp-content/themes/.
2. Test Your Site:
   • Visit pages and admin panel. If the issue is resolved, your theme is conflicting with a plugin.
3. Fix or Replace Theme:
   • Update your theme via Appearance > Themes.
   • If issues persist, switch to a lightweight, compatible theme like Astra (free, conflict-free).

Why It Works: Default themes like Twenty Twenty-Four have minimal code, ruling out theme-plugin conflicts.

Affiliate Link: Get premium themes from ThemeForest for conflict-free designs.

Step 6: Update or Replace the Faulty Plugin

Once you’ve identified the problematic plugin, take action to resolve the conflict.

1. Update the Plugin:
   • Go to Plugins > Installed Plugins and click “Update” if available.
   • Check the plugin’s changelog on WordPress.org for conflict fixes.
2. Check Support Forums:
   • Visit the plugin’s support page (e.g., WordPress.org support).
   • Search for your issue (e.g., “plugin-x conflicts with plugin-y”).
   • Apply suggested fixes or contact the developer.
3. Replace the Plugin:
   • If the plugin is outdated or unsupported, find an alternative (e.g., replace a heavy slider with MetaSlider).
   • Deactivate and delete the faulty plugin, then install the new one.

Example: If an old caching plugin conflicts, switch to WP Rocket for better compatibility.

Step 7: Contact Hosting Support (if Needed)

If conflicts persist, server issues (e.g., PHP version, resource limits) may be amplifying the problem.

1. Check Server Compatibility:
   • Log in to your hosting dashboard (e.g., SiteGround, Bluehost).
   • Confirm you’re using PHP 7.4+ (WordPress recommendation).
2. Review Debug Log:
   • Share wp-content/debug.log with your hosting support team.
   • Mention the plugin conflict and steps tried.
3. Upgrade Hosting:
   • Shared hosting can limit plugin performance. SiteGround offers high-resource plans for plugin-heavy sites.

Why It Works: Hosting support can resolve server-side conflicts, like memory limits or PHP errors.

Preventing Plugin Conflicts in the Future

• Limit Plugins: Install only essential plugins (aim for <15).
• Test in Staging: Use SiteGround’s staging to test new plugins before going live.
• Keep Everything Updated: Regularly update WordPress, plugins, and themes.
• Choose Quality Plugins: Stick to well-maintained plugins with 4+ star ratings on WordPress.org.
• Monitor Performance: Use Query Monitor to catch conflicts early.
• Backup Regularly: Automate backups with UpdraftPlus.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How do I know if two plugins are conflicting?
A: Enable debug mode and check debug.log for errors mentioning both plugins, or deactivate one to test.

Q: Can a theme cause plugin conflicts?
A: Yes, themes with custom code can interfere. Test with a default theme like Twenty Twenty-Four.

Q: Are free plugins more likely to cause conflicts?
A: Not always, but poorly coded or outdated plugins (free or premium) can. Choose well-reviewed options.

Wrapping Up

Fixing the WordPress maintenance mode stuck issue is straightforward with this 2025 guide. By deleting .maintenance, resolving updates, and using reliable hosting like SiteGround, you’ll keep your site accessible. Want more fixes? Download my Free WordPress Troubleshooting Checklist or explore my guides:

• How to Speed Up a Slow WordPress Site (2025 Guide)
• How to Fix WordPress 404 Errors
• How to Fix WordPress Plugin Conflicts
• How to Fix WordPress Login Redirect Loop
• How to Troubleshoot WordPress Database Connection Error
• How to Fix WordPress Error 500 (Internal Server Error)
• How to Resolve WordPress Memory Limit Exhausted Error
• How to Fix WordPress Syntax Error in Code
• How to Troubleshoot WordPress Email Sending Issues
• Free WordPress Troubleshooting Checklist

Share your maintenance mode fixes on X or ask below! Visit my Resources page for top tools.

Download the Free WordPress Troubleshooting Checklist

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