Plugins are snippets of code that are added to WordPress to add some features or improve functionality. Plugin conflicts is one of the most common errors in WordPress.
Common Causes of Plugin Conflicts
The best way to begin learning how to fix WordPress plugin conflicts is to start by understanding why these conflicts occur. There may be many other causes of WordPress plugin conflicts but the most common causes of plugin conflicts include:
Plugin conflict with WordPress version
Sometimes plugins conflict with the WordPress version, this often occurs when there is new WordPress version update. You should check if the plugins are compatible with the latest WordPress before you choose you update either. On your plugins page you can check below each plugin whether the plugin is compatible with the WordPress version running on your site.
Conflict from poorly coded plugins
If you install a poorly coded plugin there is a likelihood that it will conflict with your theme or other existing plugins. To cite an example, the way a plugin loads jQuery can be the cause of many plugin conflicts, to avoid this problem look at the compatibility of the plugin and the user rating on the WordPress repository before installing. You should avoid downloading and using plugins from unknown sources. This will reduce your possibilities of installing a poorly coded plugin. All free plugins available on WordPress repository are already tested by thousands, if not millions of users and they have been rated. Check these ratings, comments and questions on support thread before installing any plugin.
Plugin conflict between plugins
This is another fairly common type of plugin conflict that results from ‘fight’ for resources between two plugins. A common scenario, involves two similar plugins doing the same task. If you have both plugins activated, WordPress plugin conflict is bound to occur.
Plugin conflict with your theme
Plugin conflicts also occur between a certain plugin and the active WordPress theme. This is not an isolated incident since it tends to be a common error especially if the plugin in question has similar functions with part of the theme. Theme functions are contained in the file – function.php and a plugin adding similar functionality to what exists in your theme, will result to a conflict.
Tips for Fixing WordPress Plugin Conflict
Backup plugins before Update
For you to successfully fix plugin conflicts, you should begin by ensuring you back up all the plugins before you update. This allows you to revert to the original state if there is a problem. You can download the plugin’s backup before you upgrade to help you with restoration if a conflict occurs.
Update the Plugins one by one
WordPress provides a way of updating several plugins but this can be somewhat disastrous especially if you have plugins that are incompatible. It helps to update each plugin individually as you check to see which of these plugins is likely to cause a problem. This will help to easily identify the plugin causing a conflict.
Deactivating All Plugins
A quick approach to solving WordPress plugin conflicts is to deactivate all the plugins and activate them one by one. In many cases the WordPress dashboard may not be accessible and therefore you will require accessing the site via FTP to deactivate the plugins.
After accessing the site you should rename the plugins folder to something like old_plugins then create a new plugin folder called plugins to restore the plugins one by one. As you activate the plugins you will quickly identify the plugin that is causing the conflict and get rid of it.
