How to Check if xmlrpc.php is Enabled on Your WordPress Site and Why it’s Important?

The xmlrpc.php file in WordPress is a feature that allows for remote communication with your website, such as through the use of mobile apps or third-party services. However, if left enabled, it can also be a security risk as it can be exploited by malicious actors to launch attacks on your website. To ensure the security of your WordPress site, it’s important to check if the xmlrpc.php file is enabled or not.

To check if xmlrpc.php is enabled on your site, you can install a plugin such as “Check and Enable/Disable XML-RPC” or you can access the file by adding /xmlrpc.php to the end of your website’s URL. If the file is enabled, you will see a page with the XML-RPC server accepts POST requests only.

If you find that the xmlrpc.php file is enabled but not needed for your specific use case, you can disable it by using a plugin such as “Disable XML-RPC” or by adding the following code to your .htaccess file:

<Files xmlrpc.php>
order deny,allow
deny from all
</Files>

You can also add this code to your functions.php file in your theme folder:

add_filter('xmlrpc_enabled', '__return_false');

By disabling the xmlrpc.php file, you can greatly reduce the risk of a security breach on your WordPress site.