How to Enable or Disable Comments in WordPress

WordPress includes a built-in commenting system that lets visitors leave feedback on your posts and pages. Depending on your site's purpose, you may want to enable, disable, or tightly control comments.

Globally Disabling Comments

To turn off comments across your entire site:

1. Go to Settings > Discussion in your WordPress dashboard.
2. Uncheck the box that says Allow people to submit comments on new posts.
3. Click Save Changes.

This prevents comments on any new content going forward. Existing posts with comments already enabled will not be affected automatically.

Disabling Comments on Existing Content

To bulk-update older posts, go to Posts > All Posts, select all posts, choose Edit from the Bulk Actions dropdown, and set Comments to Do not allow.

Disabling Comments on a Single Post or Page

1. Open the post or page in the editor.
2. In the block editor, click the post settings panel on the right.
3. Scroll to Discussion and uncheck Allow comments.

Moderating Comments

If you keep comments enabled, dotCanada recommends configuring moderation settings under Settings > Discussion to reduce spam:

• Require manual approval for all comments
• Require commenters to have a previously approved comment
• Install the Akismet Anti-Spam plugin for automated filtering

Need help configuring your comment settings? Contact our support team anytime.