How to Disable WordPress XML

1. How to Disable WordPress XML-RPC to Secure Your Website? Since the onset of 2023, web owners have started undertaking security measures to safeguard their websites from unauthorized access and unwanted attacks. Hacking a wordpress website is thankfully a tricky task now! However, hacking altogether becomes relatively easy when your WordPress website is already vulnerable. You might be wondering, “Oh, my WordPress is highly secure with strong passwords, SSL certificate, firewall, etc.” But what if your WordPress website is still vulnerable to attacks? “XML-RPC” You might have come across this technical term in your WordPress website. It is a default API integrated into WordPress for effortless communication between systems or applications using XML. Many web owners don’t know, but the same API can be the reason your WordPress website is vulnerable to attacks. Hence it is always advisable to disable XML-RPC to ensure the security of your website. Don’t know how to disable XML-RPC on your WordPress website? Read this knowledgebase article to know what xmlrpc.php is, how it is used in WordPress, how to disable the API and related information. What is xmlrpc.php? We have already given you an overview of what XML-RPC is. Let us explain to you what xmlrpc.php is. This technical term refers to a specific file that bridges accessibility for third-party apps, softwares, plugins, and services to interact with your WordPress website’s functionalities seamlessly. While xmlrpc.php is a great medium to communicate, many web owners choose to disable or restrict it because of security concerns raised in the past of the API making your website vulnerable to online attacks.

2. Also Read: How does a website work? How is xmlrpc.php Used in WordPress? This API can be used for several purposes, such as — Establishing a remote connection  Enabling remote publishing  Content accessibility  Pingbacks and trackbacks  How to Identify xmlrpc.php On Your WordPress? There are many common signs to identify whether or not xmlrpc.php is enabled on your WordPress. You will notice an “Error establishing database connection” frequently.  Another sign is a timeout error.  Last but not least, utilization of the server’s memory increases.  Although, these pointers are not a sure-shot way to confirm the error. You may run into these common aspects at any time. But you need not worry. We have one more solution for you. We recommend using XML-RPC Validator. This platform runs a quick test to determine whether your WordPress has XMLRPC turned on. In case the test results show your site has XML-RPC enabled, we recommend you disable it by following the below-mentioned steps. Also Read: Solutions to Fix Establishing WordPress Database Connection Error

3. How to Disable XML-RPC in WordPress? Disable with the Help of the Plugin  Disable with .htaccess  Disable XML-RPC With Custom Code-based Filter  ➢ ➢ Disable with the Help of the Plugin Step-1: Start by logging into your WordPress admin account Step-2: After adding your credentials, you will see the admin dashboard, wherein you have to search for ‘Plugins.’ Step-3: Hover over the Plugins, and you should see the ‘Add New’ option on the right side sub-menu. Click on it. Step-4: Once you click on the ‘Option,’ you will be redirected to a new page. In the search bar at the top, type ‘Disable XML-RPC.’ Ensure that the plugin is developed by Philip Erb. Step-5: After finding the plugin, tap on ‘Install Now’ on the right side of the plugin. Step-6: When the plugin is installed on your website, all you are left to do is activate the plugin. Doing so will disable the xmlrpc.php API. Also Read: How to Fix the 504 Bad Gateway Timeout Error? ➢ ➢ Disable with .htaccess Step-1: Login into the FileZilla account. Step-2: Right after, you will notice a list of files and folders appearing on the screen. Search for the ‘.htaccess file.’ on the remote site. Step-3: After finding the file, right-click on the same and tap on the ‘View/Edit’ option to add strings of code to the file.

4. *Note: We recommend you take a backup of the file before making any modifications. Step-4: Next, input the string of code we have mentioned below in the file. # Block WordPress xmlrpc.php requests <Files xmlrpc.php> order deny,allow deny from all Allow from xxx.xxx.xxx.xxx </Files> This string of code will ensure that all the XML-RPC requests are rejected in WordPress, thereby securing your website. Also Read: How to Find the Missing htaccess File? ➢ ➢ Disable XML-RPC With Custom Code- based Filter This last method is pretty much simple. You need to add a string of code to your functions.php file. Specifically this one — add_filter( 'xmlrpc_enabled', '__return_false' ); This code will ensure that the XML-RPC file is disabled once and for all. Now that you know how to disable xmlrpc WordPress. Let’s talk about when to keep the API enabled. Also Read: What is HSTS & How to Implement on your website? When to Keep the xmlrpc.php File Enabled? Generally, enabling or disabling the file completely depends on your needs. Although there are a few instances where you might have to enable it.

5. 1. WordPress Websites below the 4.4 version do not need to disable the xmlrpc.php file as it has not defaulted in the previous version. 2. You might be using software or application that is not intended to form communication with your website. 3. Enabling XML-RPC also applies when you use 3rd party applications that are only accessible and communicated through this file. Also Read: Fix localhost sent an invalid response ERR SSL_PROTOCOL_ERROR Conclusion We hope this technical guide helps you disable XML-RPC in WordPress. Although, if you’ve tried all the above-mentioned solutions and can still not disable the file, contacting an experienced WordPress developer or a security expert will certainly assist you in troubleshooting the issue. Source Source https://www.hostitsmart.com/manage/knowledgebase/28 0/How-to-Disable-WordPress-XML-RPC-to-Secure-Your- Website.html