WordPress is an incredibly flexible platform, but plugin conflicts can turn your smooth-running website into a frustrating mess especially after an update. If you’ve just updated a plugin and something suddenly broke maybe the design looks off, the page won’t load, or certain features stopped working chances are you’re dealing with a plugin conflict.
In this article, we’ll explain what plugin conflicts are, why they happen after updates, and how to safely resolve them without crashing your website.
Why Plugin Conflicts Happen After Updates
A plugin conflict occurs when two or more plugins (or a plugin and your theme) don’t play well together. This often happens after:
- Updating a plugin to a new version
- Updating WordPress core
- Updating your theme
- Installing a new plugin
Changes in code structure, deprecated functions, or overlapping features can all trigger compatibility issues.
🛠 How to Fix Plugin Conflicts in WordPress
1. Identify the Problem
Before making any changes, ask:
- What exactly stopped working?
- Did the issue appear right after a plugin update?
- Can you replicate the issue on other pages?
This helps narrow down the possible causes.
2. Enable Debugging Mode
Turn on WordPress debugging by adding the following to your wp-config.php file:
define('WP_DEBUG', true);
define('WP_DEBUG_LOG', true);
This logs errors in wp-content/debug.log, giving you valuable clues about which plugin is causing trouble.
3. Deactivate All Plugins
Go to your dashboard and:
- Deactivate all plugins.
- Check if the issue disappears.
- If it does, reactivate plugins one by one.
This “trial and error” method helps identify the conflicting plugin.
If you can’t access your admin dashboard, do this via FTP or File Manager:
- Navigate to
/wp-content/plugins/ - Rename the folder of each plugin (e.g.,
plugin-name_old)
4. Check for Theme Conflicts
Sometimes, your theme might conflict with the updated plugin. Temporarily switch to a default WordPress theme like Twenty Twenty-Four and see if the problem resolves.
5. Roll Back the Plugin Version
If the issue began after a plugin update, downgrade it using a plugin like:
- WP Rollback
This lets you revert to a previous, stable version of the plugin.
6. Clear Cache
Caching plugins or server-side cache (like Cloudflare) may display older versions of your site. Clear all caches and recheck your site.
7. Check for PHP Compatibility
Make sure your server’s PHP version matches the requirements of your plugins and WordPress core. Many plugins now require PHP 7.4 or higher.
Tips to Prevent Plugin Conflicts
- Don’t update everything at once update one plugin at a time and test.
- Use only well-coded plugins from reputable developers.
- Avoid using multiple plugins that do similar things (e.g., two SEO plugins).
- Always back up your site before updates.
Final Thoughts
Plugin conflicts are common but manageable. With a structured approach deactivating plugins, testing step-by-step, and reverting when needed you can quickly get your WordPress site back on track. If the issue persists, contact the plugin developer or consider hiring a WordPress expert.
Want peace of mind? Consider setting up a staging site to test plugin updates before applying them to your live site with heavy traffic.