---
title: "WordPress Maintenance Mode"
description: "Maintenance mode enabled in WordPress allows you to place a splash page up on your website while you are working on it. The basic splash page lets your visitors know that your website is undergoing..."
url: https://www.inmotionhosting.com/support/edu/wordpress/enabling-wordpress-maintenance-mode/
date: 2011-10-14
modified: 2025-03-19
author: "Carrie Smaha"
categories: ["WordPress Tutorials"]
type: post
lang: en
---

# WordPress Maintenance Mode

Maintenance mode enabled in WordPress allows you to place a splash page up on your website while you are working on it. The basic splash page lets your visitors know that [your website is undergoing maintenance](https://www.inmotionhosting.com/blog/website-maintenance-checklist/). There’s a plugin in the [WordPress plugin](https://www.inmotionhosting.com/wordpress-hosting-solutions) directory that makes this task easy. Let’s go over the basic steps to install and use the plugin to enable maintenance mode.

## How to enable WordPress Maintenance mode

1. [![maint1](https://www.inmotionhosting.com/support/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/WP_maint1-1024x564.jpg)](/support/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/WP_maint1.jpg) First, you’ll need to [**log into the WordPress Dashboard**](/support/edu/wordpress/logging-into-wordpress-dashboard/) section of your website. Once you are logged into the admin area, look on **the right menu pane for plugins, then add new**:
2. [![maint2](https://www.inmotionhosting.com/support/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/WP_maint2.jpg)](/support/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/WP_maint2.jpg) Now, **in the search field type “Maintenance”** and you’ll see the related plugins.
3. [![maint3](https://www.inmotionhosting.com/support/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/WP_maint3.jpg)](/support/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/WP_maint3.jpg) **Select the WP Maintenance Mode plugin** and **click “Install Now”**. The prompt will ask if you if are sure you want to install this plugin.** Click “Ok”**.
4. [![maint4](https://www.inmotionhosting.com/support/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/WP_maint4.jpg)](/support/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/WP_maint4.jpg) You’ll then see a screen verifying the plugin was installed correctly. **Click “Activate Plugin”**.
5. [![maint5](https://www.inmotionhosting.com/support/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/WP_maint5.jpg)](/support/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/WP_maint5.jpg) Now, you will be directed to the plugin page. **Select “settings”.**
6. [![maint6](https://www.inmotionhosting.com/support/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/WP_maint6.jpg)](/support/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/WP_maint6.jpg) Now, once you click the settings button, **configure the settings to meet your needs**. [![maint7](https://www.inmotionhosting.com/support/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/WP_maint7.jpg)](/support/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/WP_maint7.jpg) Now, when you visit the website you will see the splash page similar to the snapshot to the left.