How to Disable WordPress Comments (And Why You Should)
WordPress comments can be valuable for engagement—but they also come with spam, security risks, and moderation headaches. If you’re running a business site, portfolio, or news blog, disabling comments might actually improve your site’s performance and security.
In this guide, you’ll learn:
✔ 3 easy methods to disable WordPress comments (globally or per post)
✔ Why turning off comments can benefit your site
✔ Alternative engagement strategies
Why Disable WordPress Comments?
1. Reduce Spam & Security Risks
🚫 Akismet blocks most spam, but some slips through
🚫 Comment sections attract bots & malicious links
2. Save Time on Moderation
⏳ No more manually approving/deleting comments
⏳ Eliminate toxic or off-topic discussions
3. Improve Site Performance
⚡ Fewer database queries = faster loading
⚡ Reduce plugin dependencies (like anti-spam tools)
4. Better Engagement Alternatives
💬 Use social media or forums for discussions
📩 Encourage email newsletters for direct communication. Our YouTube channel; https://www.youtube.com/@easythemestore
How to Disable WordPress Comments (3 Methods)
Method 1: Disable Comments Globally (Best for New Sites)
- Go to Settings → Discussion
- Uncheck “Allow people to submit comments on new posts”
- Click Save Changes
✅ Pros: Simple, no plugins needed
❌ Cons: Doesn’t affect existing posts
Method 2: Bulk Disable Existing Comments
- Go to Posts → All Posts (or Pages → All Pages)
- Select all posts (check the top box)
- Under Bulk Actions, choose Edit → Comments → Do not allow
- Click Update
✅ Pros: Works on old posts/pages
❌ Cons: Manual process for large sites
Method 3: Use a Plugin (Best for Advanced Control)
🔹 Disable Comments Plugin (Lightweight & customizable)
🔹 Remove Comment Functionality (Completely hides comments)
Steps:
- Install & activate Disable Comments
- Go to Settings → Disable Comments
- Choose “Everywhere” or “On certain post types”
✅ Pros: Flexible, removes comment sections entirely
❌ Cons: Adds another plugin
Alternative Engagement Strategies (After Disabling Comments)
🔹 Add a Facebook/Reddit discussion link
🔹 Use a forum plugin (bbPress, Discourse)
🔹 Encourage email replies (via WPForms)
🔹 Enable LinkedIn or Twitter/X replies
Final Thoughts
Disabling WordPress comments reduces spam, improves security, and saves time—especially for static business sites or portfolios.
🚀 Best Method?
- New sites: Disable via Settings → Discussion
- Existing sites: Use the Disable Comments plugin
💬 Do you keep comments enabled? Why or why not? Share below!