If you’re experiencing issues with one of my plugins not displaying or functioning correctly, the problem may be caused by a JavaScript error or conflict with your theme or another plugin. This guide will help you systematically identify the source of the issue.
Why Plugin Conflicts Occur
WordPress plugins and themes can sometimes conflict with each other due to:
- JavaScript conflicts – Two plugins loading incompatible JavaScript libraries
- CSS conflicts – Styling from your theme or another plugin interfering with the plugin’s display
- Function name collisions – Different plugins using the same function names
- Resource conflicts – Plugins competing for the same WordPress hooks or filters
Before You Begin
Important: Before making any changes to your site, create a complete backup of your WordPress installation, including your database. This ensures you can restore your site if something goes wrong during testing.
Testing Environment: If possible, perform these tests on a staging site rather than your live production site to avoid disrupting your visitors’ experience.
Step-by-Step Conflict Testing Process
Step 1: Switch to a Default Theme
- Navigate to Appearance > Themes in your WordPress dashboard
- Activate a default WordPress theme (such as Twenty Twenty-Four, Twenty Twenty-Three, or Twenty Twenty-Two)
- Test the plugin functionality
- If the plugin works correctly, your theme is likely causing the conflict (skip to Step 4)
- If the issue persists, continue to Step 2
Step 2: Disable Other Plugins
- Go to Plugins > Installed Plugins
- Deactivate all plugins except the one you’re troubleshooting
- Test the plugin functionality again
- If the plugin now works correctly, a plugin conflict exists (continue to Step 3)
- If the issue still occurs, it may be a server configuration issue or a bug in the plugin itself (skip to “Still Having Issues?” section)
Step 3: Identify the Conflicting Plugin
- Keep your default theme active
- Reactivate your plugins one at a time
- After activating each plugin, test the functionality of my plugin
- When the issue reappears, you’ve identified the conflicting plugin
- Note which plugin causes the conflict and proceed to Step 5
Pro tip: Start by reactivating essential plugins first (like security and caching plugins), as these are common sources of conflicts.
Step 4: Confirm Theme Conflict
If the plugin worked with a default theme but fails with your regular theme:
- Reactivate your normal theme
- Confirm the issue returns
- The conflict is with your theme
- Proceed to Step 5
Step 5: Document Your Findings
Once you’ve identified the source of the conflict, please gather the following information:
- WordPress version
- PHP version (found under Tools > Site Health)
- Theme name and version (if theme is the issue)
- Conflicting plugin name and version (if another plugin is the issue)
- Description of the issue (what’s not working, any error messages)
- Browser and version you’re using
- Browser console errors (see instructions below)
Checking Browser Console Errors
JavaScript errors often appear in your browser’s console. To check:
Chrome, Edge, or Firefox:
- Right-click anywhere on the page
- Select “Inspect” or “Inspect Element”
- Click the “Console” tab
- Look for red error messages
- Take a screenshot of any errors you find
Multiple Conflicts
Keep in mind that you may have more than one conflict. If you identify a conflicting plugin but issues persist after resolving it, repeat the testing process to check for additional conflicts.
Still Having Issues?
If you’ve completed all these steps and:
- No conflicts were found, the issue may be related to server configuration, plugin settings, or a potential bug
- You identified a conflict, but need help resolving it
- You’re unable to complete the testing process
Please contact support with your documented findings from Step 5, and I’ll help you resolve the issue as quickly as possible.