Comments Firewall

FAQ

Will this plugin delete my existing comments?

No, Comments Firewall never deletes comments. It only prevents new spam comments from being submitted. All existing comments remain untouched in your database.

Does this work with my theme?

Yes, the plugin is designed to work with any theme that follows WordPress standards. It uses core WordPress hooks and doesn’t require theme-specific modifications.

What’s the difference between Balanced and Strict modes?

Balanced mode blocks standard HTTP/HTTPS URLs and common spam patterns. Strict mode additionally detects obfuscated links (like hxxp, www without protocol, etc.) and advanced spam tactics. Start with Balanced and switch to Strict if you still see spam getting through.

Can I customize the error messages?

Absolutely! You can customize the blocked comment message through the settings page. This message is shown to users when their comment is blocked. The message is fully translatable and supports your site’s language.

Will this conflict with other comment plugins like Akismet?

No, Comments Firewall is designed to work alongside other comment protection plugins. It provides an additional layer of security by blocking obvious spam before it even reaches other plugins.

Can I disable specific features?

Yes, all major features can be toggled on/off through the settings page, including website field removal, HTTP blocking, submission method controls, and the branding badge.

Does this support multisite installations?

Yes, the plugin works on WordPress multisite installations. Each site in the network needs to be configured separately through its own settings page.

How do I track blocked spam comments?

The plugin includes a dashboard widget that shows real-time statistics of blocked comments. You can view the total number of blocked attempts directly from your WordPress dashboard.

Can I allow legitimate URLs in comments?

Currently, the plugin blocks all HTTP/HTTPS URLs to prevent backlink spam.

Does this work with REST API and XML-RPC submissions?

Yes! The plugin can control comment submissions from forms, REST API, and XML-RPC. You can enable or disable protection for each method independently through the settings page.

Is the plugin translated into other languages?

Yes, the plugin includes complete translations for English, Spanish (Español), French (Français), German (Deutsch), and Arabic (العربية) with full RTL support. The plugin automatically uses your site’s language setting.

Does this plugin slow down my website?

No, Comments Firewall is designed for zero performance impact. All blocking happens before comments reach the database, and the code is optimized for speed. There are no external API calls or heavy operations.

How do I report bugs or request features?

You can report bugs or request features through the WordPress.org plugin support forum or via our support email listed in the plugin settings page.

What’s the “Protected by” badge feature?

You can optionally display a small “Protected by Comments Firewall” (only String, NO link) badge on your site. This is completely optional and can be customized (text, display position) or disabled entirely through the settings.