How to Install the Disqus Comment Plugin on WordPress

What is Disqus?

Disqus is a third-party comment service. Third-party means it is run by another company, not by WordPress. A plugin is an add-on that connects your site to it. Visitors can reply to each other, vote on comments, and log in with an account they already have.

Your comments are stored with Disqus, not only on your own site. Think about this before you switch. Disqus is a separate service, so its own rules and options apply.

Step 1: Install the plugin

1. Log in to your WordPress dashboard.
2. Go to Plugins, then Add New Plugin.
3. In the search box, type Disqus.
4. Find the plugin named Disqus for WordPress.
5. Click Install Now.
6. Click Activate.

Step 2: Connect your Disqus account

1. After activation, WordPress shows the Disqus setup page. If not, find Disqus in the left menu.
2. Click the button to start setup.
3. If you have a Disqus account, sign in. If not, sign up on the Disqus website. It is free to start, but check their site for current options.
4. Create a new "site" in Disqus. Give it a name.
5. Choose the "shortname". This is a short unique ID for your site. Write it down.
6. Pick the plan you want and finish the setup on the Disqus pages.
7. Go back to WordPress. The plugin should now be linked to your site.

Step 3: Check the settings

1. In the dashboard, open the Disqus menu.
2. Click the Settings tab if it is shown.
3. Look for the option to show comments on posts and pages.
4. Save any changes.

Step 4: Make sure comments are allowed

1. Go to Settings, then Discussion.
2. Make sure Allow people to submit comments on new posts is ticked.
3. Click Save Changes.
4. Open a post. The Disqus box should appear at the bottom.

Import old comments

The plugin can send your old WordPress comments to Disqus. Open the Disqus menu, then the Tools tab, and look for an import or export option.

If the box does not show

• Clear your cache. A cache is a saved copy of your pages.
• Check that comments are open on that post.
• Make sure your theme shows the comments area.
• Open a ticket at https://secure.hostvento.com/submitticket.php.

Quick recap

• Disqus is an outside comment service with its own plugin.
• Install and activate Disqus for WordPress.
• Connect your Disqus account and site shortname.
• Check that comments are allowed and test a post.