How To Make WordPress Site Private? [in 2023]

Written by: Mark Coleman
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Have you ever wanted to keep your WordPress site hidden from the public eye? Maybe you’re in the process of making significant changes or updates, or perhaps you have sensitive information that you want to keep private.

Whatever the reason may be, making your WordPress site private can be beneficial.

In this blog post, we’ll show you how to make your WordPress site private using a maintenance plugin.

We’ll also provide solutions if you’re having trouble making your site private and discuss why and when you should consider making your site private.

As experts in WordPress, we have the knowledge and experience to guide you through the process.

If you prefer to watch a video tutorial on how to Make WordPress Site Private, check out this video tutorial:

How To Make WordPress Site Private

Here is how to make your WordPress site private:

  1. Install a plugin by hovering over “Plugins” and selecting “Add New”.
  2. Search for “Maintenance” and install the “Maintenance” plugin. Activate it.
  3. Click on the “Maintenance” option that appears after activation.
  4. Fill out the form with your information. Enter your page title in the “Page Title” field.
  5. Add a headline in the “Headline” field. For example, “Site is Private”.
  6. Add a little description in the “Description” field. For example, “Site will be available soon. Thank you for your patience.”
  7. Change the background image if you wish to do so.
  8. Click on “Save Changes” and make sure to turn on the switch.
  9. Preview your website to see that it is now private.

By following these simple steps, you can make your WordPress site private and keep it hidden from the public eye until you’re ready to launch.

Can’t Make WordPress Site Private – How to fix it?

If you’re having trouble making your WordPress site private, there are a few possible solutions you can try.

1. Use a maintenance plugin: As shown in the video transcript, you can install a maintenance plugin to make your site private. This plugin will display a message to visitors that your site is under maintenance and will be available soon. You can customize the message and even change the background image.

2. Password protect your site: Another way to make your site private is to password protect it. This means that visitors will need to enter a password to access your site. You can do this by using a plugin or by adding code to your site’s .htaccess file.

3. Use a membership plugin: If you want to make your site private for only certain users, you can use a membership plugin. This plugin will allow you to create different levels of access for users and restrict content based on those levels.

4. Use a private hosting service: If you want to make your site completely private and secure, you can use a private hosting service. These services offer enhanced security features and restrict access to your site to only authorized users.

By trying one or more of these solutions, you should be able to make your WordPress site private and secure.

Why and when should you Make WordPress Site Private?

Making your WordPress site private can be beneficial in certain situations. Here are a few reasons why and when you should consider making your site private:

  1. During maintenance or updates: If you’re making significant changes to your website, you may want to make it private to prevent visitors from seeing a half-finished or broken site. This can help you avoid negative impressions and maintain a professional appearance.
  2. For testing purposes: If you’re testing new features or plugins on your site, you may want to make it private to prevent users from encountering any issues or errors.
  3. For privacy reasons: If your website contains sensitive information or is meant for a specific audience, making it private can help ensure that only authorized users have access to it.

To make your WordPress site private, you can use a plugin like the Maintenance plugin shown in the tutorial above. Simply install and activate the plugin, fill out the form with your information, and turn on the “Save Changes” switch. This will display a “Site is Private” message to visitors who try to access your site.

Remember to turn off the private mode once you’re done with maintenance or testing to ensure that your site is accessible to your audience.

Conclusion – Make WordPress Site Private

Making your WordPress site private can be a great way to keep your site hidden from the public eye during significant changes or to protect sensitive information.

By following the steps outlined in this blog post, you can easily make your site private using a maintenance plugin.

If you’re having trouble making your site private, there are other solutions you can try, such as password protecting your site or using a membership plugin.

It’s important to consider making your site private during maintenance or updates, for testing purposes, or for privacy reasons.

Once you’re done with maintenance or testing, remember to turn off the private mode to ensure that your site is accessible to your audience.

As experts in WordPress, we’re here to guide you through the process and help you make the most of your website.

Mark Coleman - HowTOBuildWebsites
Written by Mark Coleman


Mark Coleman is the founder of HowToBuildWebsites.org, which provides comprehensive tutorials on website builders like WordPress, Wix, Squarespace, Webflow, and Shopify. He graduated from the University of North Texas with a business degree, developing an interest in web design's changing landscape and website builders' potential.

Mark enjoys experimenting with new web technologies, refining his web development skills, and actively participating in web design and development communities.

Learn more about him and read his articles here on HowToBuildWebsites.org.

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