To control comments and spam in WordPress, go to Settings, Discussion: require name and email, hold comments with links for moderation, close comments on older posts, and decide whether comments are needed at all. Add an anti-spam plugin (Akismet or a honeypot-based tool), and if your site does not need comments, disable them completely to remove spam and reduce load.
- Many business sites do not need comments.
- Moderate comments with links.
- Close comments on old posts automatically.
- Use an anti-spam plugin.
- Delete spam regularly to keep the database clean.
Which Discussion settings matter?
| Setting | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Allow people to submit comments | Off if you do not need them |
| Name and email required | On |
| Close comments after X days | On, for example 30 to 60 days |
| Hold comments with 2+ links | Set to 1 |
| Comment must be manually approved | On for small sites |
Live 1-to-1 WordPress and Elementor lessons on your own site, from $40. Every lesson recorded. Beginners welcome.
Should you keep comments?
Picture a law firm blog receiving 300 spam comments a week and zero real ones. Disabling comments removes the noise and saves moderation time. A community blog, on the other hand, benefits from discussion and should moderate rather than disable. Choose based on your audience. Existing posts keep their own setting, so bulk-close comments on old posts after changing defaults. See building a blog.
Want to learn WordPress settings faster with a tutor?
I teach WordPress and Elementor 1-to-1 over Zoom or Google Meet, on your own website, at your pace. Lessons start at $40, every lesson is recorded so you can rewatch it, and you get a short checklist afterwards. Beginners, business owners, students and freelancers are all welcome. See lessons and prices or book a free intro call.
Frequently asked questions
How do I stop comment spam in WordPress?
Moderate comments with links, require name and email, close old comments and use an anti-spam plugin.
How do I disable comments in WordPress?
Untick Allow people to submit comments in Settings, Discussion and bulk-close comments on existing posts.
Do business websites need comments?
Many do not; enable them only if discussion adds value.
Does comment spam slow down WordPress?
Large amounts of spam can bloat the database; delete it regularly.
Sources
Live 1-to-1 WordPress and Elementor lessons on your own site, from $40. Every lesson recorded. Beginners welcome.
More WordPress guides
Guide, 3 min readWordPress and Elementor Tutoring: Your Questions Answered
Guide, 3 min readWordPress Multisite Explained: Who Needs It (and Who Does Not)
Guide, 3 min readHow to Move WordPress to HTTPS (SSL) and Fix Mixed Content
Guide, 3 min readHow to Add a Newsletter Sign-Up to WordPress (and Get Subscribers)Rather have an expert run your WordPress site?
Tanvir H is a Bangladesh-based WordPress and Elementor web designer with 7+ years of experience, 650+ projects and a 4.9 client rating. New websites, redesigns, fixes, speed, security and SEO, handled by one expert who explains everything in plain English and works with clients worldwide.
