WordPress is a popular platform. Many people use it to share content. Sometimes, authors may delete posts. This can be a problem. You may lose important content. There are ways to stop this. Follow these steps to keep your posts safe.

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Why Prevent Authors from Deleting Posts?

Authors may delete posts for many reasons. They may do it by mistake. They may not agree with the content. They may leave the team. Preventing deletion keeps your content safe. It also keeps your site looking professional.

Use User Roles and Permissions

WordPress has different user roles. Each role has different permissions. The Author role can publish and delete posts. You can change this. Give authors limited permissions. This way, they cannot delete posts.

Steps To Change Permissions

1. Log in to your WordPress dashboard.
2. Go to “Users” on the left menu.
3. Select “All Users”.
4. Find the author you want to change.
5. Click “Edit” next to their name.
6. Change their role to “Contributor”.
7. Click “Update User”.

Now, the author is a Contributor. They can write and edit posts. But, they cannot publish or delete them.

Use Plugins

Plugins can help manage user roles. They make it easy to change permissions. Some popular plugins are User Role Editor and Members.

Using User Role Editor

Follow these steps to use User Role Editor:

1. Go to “Plugins” on the left menu.
2. Click “Add New”.
3. Search for “User Role Editor”.
4. Click “Install Now”.
5. After installation, click “Activate”.
6. Go to “Users” and select “User Role Editor”.
7. Select the “Author” role.
8. Uncheck the “delete_posts” option.
9. Click “Update”.

Authors can no longer delete posts. You can customize other roles too.

Using Members Plugin

Follow these steps to use Members plugin:

1. Go to “Plugins” on the left menu.
2. Click “Add New”.
3. Search for “Members”.
4. Click “Install Now”.
5. After installation, click “Activate”.
6. Go to “Users” and select “Roles”.
7. Select the “Author” role.
8. Uncheck the “delete_posts” option.
9. Click “Update”.

Now, authors cannot delete posts. You can manage other roles too.

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Use Custom Code

If you know how to code, you can add custom code. This code can stop authors from deleting posts. Be careful with this method. Mistakes can break your site.

Steps To Add Custom Code

1. Go to your WordPress dashboard.
2. Go to “Appearance” on the left menu.
3. Select “Theme Editor”.
4. Find the “functions.php” file.
5. Add this code at the end:

        function remove_author_delete_capability() {
            $role = get_role('author');
            if ($role) {
                $role->remove_cap('delete_posts');
            }
        }
        add_action('admin_init', 'remove_author_delete_capability');
        

Click “Update File”. Now, authors cannot delete posts.

Monitor User Activity

It is good to keep an eye on what users do. You can use plugins to track user activity. These plugins show who does what on your site.

Using Simple History Plugin

Follow these steps to use Simple History plugin:

1. Go to “Plugins” on the left menu.
2. Click “Add New”.
3. Search for “Simple History”.
4. Click “Install Now”.
5. After installation, click “Activate”.
6. Go to “Dashboard”.
7. Click “Simple History” on the left menu.

Now, you can see user activity. You will know if someone tries to delete a post.

Using Wp Activity Log Plugin

Follow these steps to use WP Activity Log plugin:

1. Go to “Plugins” on the left menu.
2. Click “Add New”.
3. Search for “WP Activity Log”.
4. Click “Install Now”.
5. After installation, click “Activate”.
6. Go to “Activity Log” on the left menu.

Now, you can see a detailed log. You will know all user actions.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Can I Restrict Authors From Deleting Posts?

Use a plugin like “User Role Editor” to change permissions.

Which Plugin Helps Manage User Roles?

“User Role Editor” is popular and user-friendly.

Can Authors Edit Their Posts But Not Delete?

Yes, adjust permissions to allow editing, but not deleting.

Is Coding Required To Restrict Post Deletion?

No coding needed with the right plugin.

Conclusion

Preventing authors from deleting posts is important. It keeps your content safe. It keeps your site professional. Use user roles and permissions. Use plugins. Add custom code if you can. Monitor user activity. These steps will help you manage your site better.

Follow these tips. Keep your WordPress site safe. Your content is valuable. Protect it well.