Disable comments across post types and network sites
Disable Comments provides broad controls for turning off comments across a site or selected types of content.
Settings can cover posts, pages, media and documentation, with role-based exclusions available. On multisite networks, administrators can apply one configuration network-wide or configure sites individually. These controls are designed for broad or post-type rules; disabling comments on individual posts is a separate WordPress setting.
Remove existing comments and reviews
The Delete Comments tool can permanently clear existing comments, so a database backup is prudent before using it.
- Deletion scope: Remove all comments or choose comment types and post types, including WooCommerce product reviews.
- Permanent action: Deletion cannot be undone; back up the database first.
- Visitor visibility: Existing comments may remain visible until deleted, depending on the theme, so turning comments off alone may not remove old comments from view.
Block comment routes and hide comment controls
The plugin also reduces comment access and visibility beyond post-level settings.
- Request routes: Block comments through the REST API and XML-RPC, and control comment settings with WP-CLI for posts, pages, attachments or the whole site.
- Admin and feed changes: Hide comment links, dashboard sections, the Discussion settings page and comment widgets; disable comment feeds and pingbacks.
- Editor Notes: On WordPress 6.9 and later, Block Editor Notes continue working while other comments are disabled.
- Abilities API: Version 2.8.0 added support for the WordPress Abilities API, allowing AI assistants and MCP clients to read comment settings.
Theme behavior can affect what visitors see
Theme code can override the plugin’s efforts to hide comment forms or closed-comments messages.
If those elements remain visible, the theme may need separate changes, such as editing its comment template or stylesheet. Sites with custom themes should account for that extra work when planning a site-wide removal.
A strong fit for site-wide comment removal, with irreversible cleanup
Disable Comments suits sites that want broad comment removal, but it is not intended for selectively disabling comments on individual posts.
- Scope trade-off: Its post-type controls and multisite configuration suit network-wide policies; use WordPress’s individual post settings when only specific posts should have comments disabled.
- Cleanup caution: Bulk deletion is permanent, so confirm the scope and back up the database first.
- Directory signals: Adoption is among the directory’s most widespread, the user rating is excellent, and the plugin was updated within the last week. There are no open support threads; a resolution percentage is not reported.
