**
How to Prevent a WordPress User from Accessing Your Site Without Deleting Their Account
Do you need to restrict a user’s access on your WordPress site without permanently deleting their account? Whether you want to temporarily block them or limit their capabilities for a specific period, there are effective methods to achieve this. In this article, we’ll discuss three different approaches to accomplish this.
Method 1: Downgrading the User Role
One way to block a WordPress user without deleting their account is by downgrading their user role. This method allows them to log in, but it restricts their capabilities once they’re logged in.
- Access the user management system on your WordPress website.
- Go to the Users » All Users page in your admin area.
- Select the user you want to block by clicking on the ‘Edit’ link.
- Scroll down to the ‘Role’ setting and choose ‘Subscriber’ or ‘No role for this site’ from the dropdown menu.
- Save the changes by clicking the ‘Update User’ button.
By downgrading the user’s role to ‘Subscriber’ or ‘No role for this site’, you can limit their access to the WordPress admin area and prevent any trouble they might cause.
Method 2: Using the Lock User Account Plugin
The Lock User Account plugin is a lightweight solution specifically designed to block users from logging into your website.
- Install and activate the Lock User Account plugin on your WordPress site.
- Access the Users » All Users page in your admin dashboard.
- Select the users you want to block by checking the corresponding checkboxes.
- Click on the ‘Bulk actions’ button, choose ‘Lock’ from the dropdown menu, and click ‘Apply’.
When blocked users try to log in, they will receive an error message informing them that their account is locked. To unblock a user, repeat the same steps and choose ‘Unlock’ instead.
You can also customize the lock message that blocked users see by going to Settings » General and scrolling down to the ‘Locked User Message’ section. Enter the desired message and click ‘Save Changes’.
Method 3: User Blocker Plugin for Advanced User Blocking Options
If you require more advanced user blocking options, such as blocking users during specific times or date ranges, the User Blocker plugin can assist you.
- Install and activate the User Blocker plugin on your WordPress site.
- Access the User Blocker settings page in your dashboard.
- Choose your desired blocking method: ‘User By Time’, ‘User By Date’, or ‘User Permanent’.
- Select the users or roles you want to block.
- Set the desired blocking parameters, such as time, date, or a custom message.
- Click the ‘Block User’ button to save your settings.
With the User Blocker plugin, you can temporarily block users for specific timeframes or permanently block them. You can also redirect blocked users to a custom page of your choice.
Remember to click the ‘Block User’ button to apply the blocking settings.
Conclusion
Preventing a WordPress user from accessing your site without deleting their account is a valuable feature, especially for multi-author blogs, forums, and community sites. By downgrading the user’s role, using the Lock User Account plugin, or leveraging the User Blocker plugin, you can effectively block or disable a user without permanently deleting their account. Implementing these methods will help you maintain control over user access and ensure a secure and enjoyable experience on your WordPress website.
If you found this article helpful, make sure to subscribe to our YouTube Channel for more WordPress video tutorials. Also, follow us on Twitter and Facebook for the latest updates and content.