WordPress plugin conflicts: how to find and fix them

Plugin conflicts are one of the most common problems with WordPress websites. In this guide, you will learn how to identify and resolve conflicts.

What are plugin conflicts?

A plugin conflict occurs when two or more plugins do not work well together. This can lead to:

• White screens (WSOD)
• Broken functionality
• Slow website
• Error messages
• Missing elements

Symptoms of plugin conflicts

Do you recognize any of these problems?

• Website does not work after plugin update
• Specific feature suddenly stops working
• Error messages containing plugin name
• Admin dashboard does not load properly
• Frontend looks strange

Step 1: Identify the problem

1. Note when it started - After which update or installation?
2. Check the error message - Is there a plugin name in it?
3. Test in incognito - Rule out browser cache
4. View the error log - Via cPanel or debug mode

Step 2: Deactivate all plugins

Via WordPress admin

1. Go to Plugins > Installed plugins
2. Select all plugins
3. Choose Deactivate from bulk actions
4. Click Apply

Via FTP (if admin does not work)

1. Connect via FTP to your server
2. Go to /wp-content/
3. Rename plugins to plugins_backup
4. Create new empty folder plugins

Step 3: Activate plugins one by one

1. Activate one plugin
2. Test your website
3. Everything works? Next plugin
4. Problem returned? This is the culprit

Step 4: Use the Health Check plugin

1. Install Health Check and Troubleshooting
2. Go to Tools > Site Health
3. Click Troubleshooting Mode
4. Test plugins without disturbing your visitors

Common conflicting plugins

Caching plugins

Never use multiple caching plugins at once:

• WP Super Cache
• W3 Total Cache
• LiteSpeed Cache
• WP Rocket

Solution: Choose one and completely remove the rest.

SEO plugins

Do not use:

• Yoast SEO + All in One SEO
• Rank Math + Yoast

Solution: Choose one SEO plugin and export/import settings.

Page builders

Do not combine:

• Elementor + Beaver Builder
• Divi + Visual Composer

Solution: Choose one page builder and rebuild pages if needed.

Security plugins

Be careful with:

• Wordfence + Sucuri
• iThemes Security + All In One WP Security

Solution: One good security plugin is enough.

Solving the conflict

Option 1: Replace plugin

Find an alternative that does the same:

• Check reviews on WordPress.org
• Search for alternative to plugin name
• Test on staging first

Option 2: Contact developer

1. Check the plugin support forum
2. Report the conflict specifically
3. Provide PHP version, WP version, conflicting plugins
4. Wait for update or workaround

Prevention tips

Use fewer plugins

• Remove what you do not use
• Choose multifunctional plugins
• Build simple functions yourself

Test before installation

• Read reviews and support forum
• Check last updated date
• View active installations

Use staging

• Test updates first on copy
• Make backups before changes
• Plan updates outside peak hours

Keep everything up to date

• WordPress core
• All plugins
• Your theme

Related articles

• WordPress error messages - All WP errors
• WordPress too slow? - Improve performance
• WordPress installation - Clean installation
• Best WordPress hosting - Reliable hosting

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to implement this?

Implementation time varies per situation. Simple configurations can be done within an hour, more complex setups may take several hours to a day.

What are the costs?

Costs depend on your hosting provider and package. Many basic features are included for free, advanced features may incur additional costs.

Do I need technical knowledge?

You need little technical knowledge for the basics. Most hosting providers offer extensive documentation and support to help you.