Common Issues

Common Issues

This section provides solutions for common problems you may encounter while using the Private Comments plugin.

Comments are still visible to logged-out users

If you find that comments are still visible to the general public after activating the plugin, the most common cause is caching.

• Plugin Caching: If you use plugins like WP Rocket, W3 Total Cache, or LiteSpeed Cache, you must clear your site’s cache after activating the plugin.
• Server-Side Caching: Systems like Varnish or Nginx FastCGI cache may be serving a static version of the page. Purge your server cache.
• Browser Caching: Try viewing the post in an Incognito/Private window to ensure you are not seeing a locally cached version.

Plugin does not work with Disqus or Jetpack Comments

This plugin is designed to work with the native WordPress comment system.

• Third-party systems: If you are using external comment platforms like Disqus, Facebook Comments, or Jetpack’s hosted comment module, this plugin will not be able to restrict visibility. These services host comments on their own servers and render them via an iframe, bypassing WordPress’s internal comment queries.

Comments are visible in custom theme widgets

Some themes use custom database queries to display "Recent Comments" in sidebars or footers. If these queries do not use the standard WP_Comment_Query class, the privacy restrictions may not apply.

• Solution: Check if your theme has an option to disable "Recent Comments" or use the default WordPress Recent Comments widget, which is fully supported.

Conflicts with Page Builders

Certain page builders (like Elementor or Divi) use custom modules to display comments. While most follow standard WordPress hooks, some specialized "Comment Skin" or "List" modules might bypass the filters used by this plugin.

• Test: Switch to a default WordPress theme (like Twenty Twenty-Four) to see if the issue persists. If it works on the default theme, the issue is likely within the page builder's specific comment module.

Troubleshooting Permissions

If a post author cannot see comments on their own post, ensure that their User Role has the standard WordPress capabilities for managing comments.

• The plugin identifies the Post Author based on the post_author ID in the wp_posts table.
• The plugin identifies the Comment Author via the user_id (for logged-in users) or the email address associated with the comment (for guests).

How to verify the plugin is active

You can verify the plugin is functioning by following these steps:

1. Post a comment as a logged-in "Subscriber" or a Guest.
2. Open a different browser or an Incognito window where you are not logged in.
3. Navigate to the post. The comment should not be visible.
4. Log in as the Post Author or an Administrator. The comment should now be visible.