Disable WP REST API

常見問題集

What is the default access-denied message?

When the user is logged in to WordPress, the normal REST API data will be displayed. When the user is not logged in, this is the default message:

{"code":"rest_login_required","message":"REST API restricted to authenticated users.","data":{"status":401}}

Why would anyone want to disable the REST API?

Technically this plugin only disables REST API for visitors who are not logged into WordPress. With that in mind, here are some good reasons why someone would want to disable REST API for non-logged users:

• The REST API may not be needed for non-logged users
• Disabling the REST API conserves server resources
• Disabling the REST API minimizes potential attack vectors
• Disabling the REST API prevents content scraping and plagiarism

I’m sure there are other valid reasons, but you get the idea 🙂

There already is another “Disable REST” plugin?

Yep, actually there are two other “Disable REST” plugins:

• Disable JSON API
• Disable REST API

The first of those plugins is awesome and provides a LOT more features and functionality than is required to simply disable REST. And the second plugin was shut down due to lack of use. I wrote my disable-REST plugin because I wanted something super lightweight, fast, and effective. If you are looking for more options and features, then check out the first of those two listed alternatives.

How do I test that REST is disabled?

Testing is easy:

1. Log out of WordPress
2. Using a browser, request https://example.com/wp-json/

If you see the following message, REST is disabled:

“rest_login_required: REST API restricted to authenticated users.”

Then if you log back in and make a new request for https://example.com/wp-json/, you will see that REST is working normally.

Does it disable REST functionality added by other plugins?

Yes, if the REST endpoints are registered with the WP REST API.

Does this work with Gutenberg/Block Editor?

Yes. It works the same regardless of which editor (Classic or Block) you are using.

How to customize the error message?

By default the plugin displays a message for unauthenticated users: “REST API restricted to authenticated users.” To customize that message to whatever you want, add the following code via functions.php or simple custom plugin:

function disable_wp_rest_api_error_custom($message) {

    return 'Customize your message here.'; // change this to whatever you want

}
add_filter('disable_wp_rest_api_error', 'disable_wp_rest_api_error_custom');

How to allow access for Contact Form 7?

As explained in this thread, the plugin Contact Form 7 requires REST API access in order for the contact form to work. To allow for this, follow this guide.

如何提問？

Send any questions or feedback via my contact form