DevLab Maintenance Mode

1. 01Upload the devlab-maintenance-mode folder to the /wp-content/plugins/ directory
2. 02Activate the plugin through the ‘Plugins’ menu in WordPress
3. 03Go to Settings > Maintenance Mode to configure
4. 04Check the “Enable maintenance mode” checkbox and save

Will I be locked out of my site?

No. Administrators are automatically allowed to bypass maintenance mode. The plugin is also disabled by default when you first activate it, so there’s no risk of accidental lockout. You can also configure additional roles, IP addresses, or a secret phrase for bypass access.

Does this affect SEO?

The plugin returns a proper 503 (Service Unavailable) status code with a Retry-After header, which tells search engines that the downtime is temporary and they should check back later. This is the SEO-recommended way to handle maintenance mode and won’t hurt your rankings.

Can I customize the maintenance page?

Yes! You have several options:

1. 01Choose a Template – Select from 10 built-in templates in Settings > Maintenance Mode
2. 02Edit the Message – Write your own message with full HTML support
3. 03Theme Override – Copy any template file to your-theme/devlab-maintenance-mode/ for complete control over the design

How do I let my client see the site during maintenance?

You have three options:

1. 04Secret Link – Set a secret phrase and share yoursite.com?mmbd_bypass=your-phrase
2. 05IP Whitelist – Add their IP address to the whitelist
3. 06User Role – Create an account for them with a role that has bypass access

How does the countdown timer work?

Select the “Countdown” template and set your target date/time in the settings. The template displays a live countdown showing days, hours, minutes, and seconds until your launch. When the countdown reaches zero, it displays “We’re Live!”

Can I use this as a Coming Soon page?

Absolutely! Many users install DevLab Maintenance Mode before launching a new site. Choose a template that fits your brand, customize the message to build anticipation, and use the countdown timer to show when you’ll launch.

Does it work with caching plugins?

Yes, but you may need to exclude the maintenance page from caching or clear your cache after enabling/disabling maintenance mode. Most caching plugins handle 503 responses correctly.

Does it work with WooCommerce?

Yes. The plugin works with WooCommerce and any other WordPress plugin. When maintenance mode is active, all pages including shop, cart, and checkout show the maintenance page to non-bypassed visitors.

How do I completely remove the plugin?

Simply deactivate and delete the plugin from your WordPress admin. The plugin includes a clean uninstall routine that removes all settings and data from your database automatically.