How to Disable XMLRPC in WordPress – The Complete 2025 Guide for Security-Minded Site Owners

In today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, securing your WordPress site is more crucial than ever. One overlooked yet significant vulnerability is the XML-RPC protocol. In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through how to disable XMLRPC in WordPress using multiple effective methods. Whether you’re a seasoned developer or a new WordPress user, understanding how to disable XMLRPC in WordPress will help safeguard your website from malicious attacks and unnecessary resource consumption.

What is XMLRPC in WordPress?

Before diving into how to disable XMLRPC in WordPress, let’s understand what XML-RPC is and why it’s such a hot topic in the WordPress security world.

  • XML-RPC is a communication protocol that allows remote access to your WordPress site. It enables external applications, such as mobile apps and services like Jetpack, to interact with your site.

  • Originally helpful for publishing content remotely and managing your site on the go, it now poses serious security risks due to its outdated architecture and vulnerabilities.

  • Hackers often exploit XML-RPC to perform brute-force attacks or send multiple pingbacks to amplify DDoS (Distributed Denial of Service) attacks.

  • The protocol is enabled by default in WordPress, making your site vulnerable even if you don’t use any feature that requires it.

  • Even if you’re using strong passwords, repeated login attempts via XML-RPC can overload your server and crash your website.

  • Unlike the traditional wp-login.php method, XML-RPC doesn’t always trigger rate-limiting plugins or firewalls unless explicitly configured.

  • Because of these reasons, learning how to disable XMLRPC in WordPress becomes vital for site stability and security.

  • Especially if you don’t use apps or plugins that depend on XML-RPC, disabling it can be a simple yet powerful security win.

⚠️ Why You Should Know How to Disable XMLRPC in WordPress

Many site owners ask: “If I don’t use XML-RPC, why should I bother?” Let’s break down the top reasons:

  • Security Vulnerabilities: Hackers use XML-RPC as a backdoor to exploit WordPress sites, bypass login limits, and execute multiple authentication attempts silently.

  • DDoS Attacks: The protocol is commonly used in pingback attacks. A single command can tell your site to send pingbacks to other websites, making it part of a DDoS network.

  • Brute-force Login Attacks: XML-RPC allows system.multicall functions which can send hundreds of login attempts in one single HTTP request.

  • Unnecessary Resource Usage: Even if the attack fails, it consumes server memory, CPU cycles, and database queries—slowing down your site drastically.

  • Most Users Don’t Need It: Unless you use mobile publishing apps, Jetpack, or other specific integrations, XML-RPC serves no purpose for modern WordPress users.

  • Redundant with REST API: WordPress now offers the more secure and modern REST API that replaces many of XML-RPC’s features.

  • Limited Visibility in Logs: XML-RPC attacks can go unnoticed because they don’t always trigger login alerts or appear in analytics tools.

  • Peace of Mind: Disabling unused entry points like XML-RPC enhances your overall security posture and gives you better control.

️ How to Disable XMLRPC in WordPress – 5 Proven Methods

Now let’s dig into the actual techniques on how to disable XMLRPC in WordPress. These methods vary from beginner-friendly to advanced, so choose the one that fits your comfort level.

✅ Method 1: Disable XML-RPC Using a WordPress Security Plugin

This is the easiest and safest method, especially for non-technical users learning how to disable XMLRPC in WordPress.

  • Step-by-step process:

    • Install a reputable security plugin like Wordfence, Sucuri, or Disable XML-RPC.

    • Activate the plugin and navigate to its settings.

    • Look for the XML-RPC control options and simply toggle the feature to “disable.”

  • Advantages of this method:

    • Requires no coding knowledge or server access.

    • The plugin handles updates and compatibility issues.

    • Many of these plugins also offer additional firewall and malware protection.

  • Why it works well:

    • Plugins often disable not just the XML-RPC file but also block any requests attempting to access it.

    • This method ensures you won’t accidentally break a feature since the plugin checks compatibility.

  • Security plugins give an all-in-one solution, ideal for users who don’t want to tinker with core files or server settings.

  • However, it adds one more plugin to your site, which can affect performance if not chosen wisely.

  • Make sure the plugin is frequently updated and has good reviews on the WordPress repository.

  • Once done, test the site’s functionality—especially Jetpack or mobile apps—if you use any.

Method 2: Disable XML-RPC via .htaccess File

For those comfortable with file editing, modifying .htaccess is a direct and effective way to disable XML-RPC.

  • Steps to implement:

    • Access your site files using FTP or File Manager in your hosting cPanel.

    • Open the .htaccess file located in your WordPress root directory.

    • Add the following code at the top:

      apache
      <Files xmlrpc.php>
      Order Allow,Deny
      Deny from all
      </Files>

  • How this works:

    • This code denies all access to the xmlrpc.php file, making it unreachable from any IP or external source.

  • Why use this method:

    • It’s lightweight and doesn’t require any plugin installation.

    • It operates at the server level, offering high effectiveness.

  • Pros:

    • No impact on your WordPress admin or plugins.

    • Doesn’t depend on WordPress loading to function—works even if WordPress is down.

  • Cons:

    • Requires some technical understanding.

    • You must be cautious while editing .htaccess to avoid breaking your site.

  • Make a backup before editing, and test thoroughly after saving changes.

  • If done right, this method is a bulletproof way of applying how to disable XMLRPC in WordPress.

️ Method 3: Use Functions.php to Disable XML-RPC

This is a theme-level method to apply how to disable XMLRPC in WordPress, perfect for developers.

  • Steps:

    • Open your current theme’s functions.php file.

    • Insert the following code:

      php
      add_filter('xmlrpc_enabled', '__return_false');

  • What this code does:

    • It filters WordPress’ internal settings to completely disable XML-RPC functionality.

  • Benefits:

    • Very simple and lightweight.

    • Doesn’t require server access or plugins.

  • Things to consider:

    • Changes will be lost if the theme is updated or switched.

    • Best used in child themes to avoid overwriting customizations.

  • This method is widely used by developers who want granular control without touching server files.

  • You can also combine it with other methods for stronger protection.

  • Always test compatibility after adding the code, especially with plugins or apps that sync with your site.

Method 4: Use a Firewall or CDN Like Cloudflare

Another way of applying how to disable XMLRPC in WordPress is by blocking it at the edge level—before the request even hits your server.

  • How to set up:

    • Sign in to your Cloudflare account.

    • Go to the Firewall section > Create a new rule.

    • Set the rule: If URI path equals /xmlrpc.php, then Block.

  • Why this works:

    • It stops attacks and requests before they reach your WordPress installation.

  • Advantages:

    • No plugin or code needed.

    • Saves server resources since the request is never processed.

  • Considerations:

    • You’ll need a Cloudflare account and some basic understanding of rule creation.

    • Cloudflare Free Plan is enough for this functionality.

  • This method is highly effective for high-traffic sites where performance and uptime matter.

  • You can monitor how many requests were blocked using Cloudflare’s analytics.

  • Great option if you already use CDN services or plan to scale.

Method 5: Disable Using Hosting Panel Options

Some managed WordPress hosting providers give built-in options for how to disable XMLRPC in WordPress.

  • Examples:

    • Providers like Kinsta, WP Engine, and SiteGround have XML-RPC toggles in their dashboards.

    • Login to your hosting account, navigate to site tools > Security > XML-RPC.

  • Why it’s convenient:

    • No coding, plugins, or external services needed.

    • The host ensures compatibility with their infrastructure.

  • Downsides:

    • Not all hosting providers offer this feature.

    • May not offer custom control or logging features.

  • Ideal for beginners, this method is perfect if your host supports it.

  • Contact customer support if you’re unsure where the setting is.

  • Always verify that the file is indeed inaccessible after toggling.

Final Words: How to Disable XMLRPC in WordPress Effectively

Learning how to disable XMLRPC in WordPress is a proactive step toward securing your website. Whether you prefer using a plugin, editing .htaccess, tweaking functions.php, or utilizing CDN and hosting features—there’s a method that fits your expertise level.

Key Takeaways:

  • XML-RPC is outdated and prone to brute-force and DDoS attacks.

  • Most WordPress users no longer need XML-RPC thanks to the REST API.

  • Disabling it strengthens your security without affecting site performance.

  • Use a layered approach—combine two methods for added security.

Call to Action:

Now that you’ve mastered how to disable XMLRPC in WordPress, take action today! Choose the method that suits your workflow and secure your WordPress site before it becomes a target. Your website—and visitors—will thank you for it.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Will disabling XML-RPC break my site?
A: Not usually. Most WordPress users don’t rely on XML-RPC. However, apps like Jetpack or the WordPress mobile app may stop working. Always test your setup after disabling it.

Q2: What is the safest way for beginners to learn how to disable XMLRPC in WordPress?
A: Using a plugin is the safest and easiest method. It involves no coding and minimal risk of site breakage.

Q3: Can I re-enable XML-RPC later if needed?
A: Yes. Simply remove the code or plugin you used to disable it, or undo the .htaccess rule.

Q4: Is the REST API safer than XML-RPC?
A: Yes. The REST API is modern, secure, and offers better authentication methods than XML-RPC.

Q5: How do I confirm XML-RPC is disabled?
A: Try visiting yourdomain.com/xmlrpc.php. If it returns a 403 error or a blocked message, it’s disabled successfully.

Q6: Can I disable XML-RPC only for certain IP addresses?
A: Yes. You can customize .htaccess or Cloudflare rules to allow specific IPs and block others.

Q7: Should I disable XML-RPC on all WordPress installations?
A: If you don’t use any service that depends on it, then yes—it’s best to disable it on all your sites.

Q8: What if I get constant brute-force attempts on XML-RPC even after disabling it?
A: Combine multiple methods like .htaccess + Cloudflare + plugin to create a layered security setup.

Need help implementing any of these methods? Comment below or share this post with others in the WordPress community. Security starts with knowledge—and now you have it.