How to Use WordPress Safe Mode? Benefits and Activation Methods

Does your WordPress site have issues that are taking a long time to diagnose and fix? We have a solution that can make the recovery process fast and reduce WordPress site downtime.

There are various tactics to implement security, one of which is putting WordPress in safe mode. In this blog, we will explore how you can implement it manually using plugins. We’ll also dive into the best practices followed by WordPress development services for using safe mode.

What is WordPress Safe Mode?

WordPress safe mode is a temporary state that helps users troubleshoot and diagnose issues without affecting the live site. It allows you to temporarily disable themes and plugins that may be causing conflicts or errors.

This provides a controlled environment for testing and debugging. You can put your site to safe mode by editing wp-config.php file or using WP Safe Mode plugin.

Benefits of Using Safe Mode in WordPress

Safe mode in WordPress is used primarily for troubleshooting and testing purposes. Here are the key reasons why you would want to use safe mode:

• Isolate Plugin or Theme Conflicts: It allows you to temporarily disable plugins and switch to a default theme. This isolation helps determine if a specific plugin or theme causes a problem on your WordPress site. By deactivating all plugins and switching to a default theme, you can identify the source of conflicts.
• Test Updates or Changes: Before making changes to your site, such as updating WordPress, you can activate safe mode to test changes in a controlled environment. This helps you identify any compatibility issues or errors arising after updates.
• Troubleshoot Errors: If you encounter errors on your site, safe mode can diagnose and fix the issue without affecting the live site. You can systematically reactivate plugins and themes to find the source of the error and implement a fix.
• Avoid Downtime: By using safe mode, you can prevent downtime due to unidentified and unresolved issues. It allows you to fix issues proactively without impacting your site visitors.
• Ensure Site Stability: It helps maintain the stability and performance of your WordPress site by allowing you to resolve conflicts or errors efficiently. It ensures that your site functions correctly after making changes or updates.

These benefits are the reasons why you may consider WordPress safe mode on your site. Now, let’s learn how you can put WordPress in safe mode.

How to Put WordPress in Safe Mode?

Putting WordPress in safe mode can help you troubleshoot issues by temporarily disabling plugins and reverting to a default theme. Here are two methods to achieve this: using a WordPress plugin and editing the wp-config.php file.

Method 1: Using a WordPress Plugin

This method is generally easier and recommended for beginners. Here’s what you need to do:

Step 1: Install the WP Safe Mode Plugin

• Login to your WordPress dashboard.
• Navigate to Plugins → Add New.
• Search for “WP Safe Mode,” developed by Myriad Plugins.
• Click Install Now to download and install the plugin on your site.

Here, we downloaded the WP Safe Mode plugin, using which we can enable and disable safe mode within the WordPress dashboard.

Step 2: Activate the Plugin

Once the installation is complete, click Activate to enable the WP Safe Mode plugin.

Step 3: Enter safe mode

With the plugin activated, you’ll find a new menu option for “WP Safe Mode” in your WordPress dashboard. Look for a button to enable safe mode. Alternatively, some plugins might offer a quick option in the WordPress admin bar.

By enabling safe mode, you can deactivate all the conflicting themes and plugins. This will ensure easier troubleshooting even for users with low coding knowledge. If you are still unable to fix the issue, consider hiring WordPress developers.

Method 2: Editing the wp-config.php File

This method requires some technical knowledge and comfort with editing files. It’s recommended for users familiar with FTP or cPanel access.

Step 1: Access your wp-config.php file

You’ll need to access your website’s files. This can be done through an FTP client or your hosting provider’s control panel. You can locate the wp-config.php file within the WordPress root directory.

Step 2: Edit the wp-config.php file

Download the file and open it in a text editor. When you edit the file, make sure the code doesn’t break.

Step 3: Add the safe mode Code

Find a blank line near the beginning of the file and paste the following code:

define('WP_SAFE_MODE', true);

Now, save the edited wp-config.php file and upload it back to your website’s root directory.

Step 4: Upload the Modified wp-config.php File

Using your FTP client or file manager, upload the modified wp-config.php file to the root directory of your WordPress installation. It will temporarily disable all plugins and revert to a default theme.

Once you are done diagnosing and fixing the error, remove the define(‘WP_SAFE_MODE’, true) line from your wp-config.php file. This is an advanced method where you don’t need to use plugins. To keep your site well maintained you can also get help from professional WordPress maintenance services.

Best Practices for Using WordPress Safe Mode

• Create a Backup Before Activating safe mode: Always backup your WordPress site, including files and the database, before enabling safe mode. This precaution ensures you can restore your site if any changes cause data loss during troubleshooting.
• Use safe mode During Off-Peak Hours: Schedule maintenance during periods of low traffic to minimize disruptions for your visitors. Analyzing traffic patterns helps identify the best times to fix issues.
• Document Changes and Findings: Keep a detailed log of every change and issue encountered during troubleshooting. This documentation helps track your progress and explains what adjustments need to be resolved.
• Reactivate Plugins and Themes One at a Time: Gradually reactivate plugins and themes to isolate the source of any conflicts or errors. Testing each component helps you identify plugins or themes causing issues.
• Use a Staging Environment for Testing: Perform testing in a staging environment to prevent disruptions on your live site. Cloning your site to a staging area allows you to ensure changes don’t affect your main site until they are verified.

By following these best practices, professional WordPress developers can keep your site well-maintained. Using safe mode is one of the techniques by which they can reduce downtime by locating and fixing issues quickly.

FAQs About How to Put WordPress Safe Mode

Conclusion

Enabling safe mode in WordPress is a way to troubleshoot and resolve site issues without affecting your live site. By using a plugin like WP Safe Mode or editing the wp-config.php file, you can create a controlled environment to identify conflicts.

Before implementing this feature on-site, backing up your site and using a staging environment is recommended. It will help you maintain the stability and performance of your WordPress site. If you want to build a robust and secure website with high availability, hire WordPress developers.