The implementation of Google AMP (Accelerated Mobile Pages) in WordPress has been a topic of debate among developers and website owners. Although AMP can improve loading speed on mobile devices, there are situations when disabling this functionality becomes necessary. In this guide, we will explore how to disable Google AMP in WordPress quickly and effectively.
What is Google AMP?
Google AMP is an open source framework for creating mobile-optimized web pages that load almost instantly. This system has been designed primarily to improve the user experience on mobile devices.
Despite its benefits, not all websites need AMP. Some reasons for disabling AMP include plugin compatibility issues, undesirable layout, or limitations on the content that can be displayed.
Advantages and disadvantages of Google AMP
It is important to understand both the advantages and disadvantages of using Google AMP. This will allow you to make an informed decision on whether or not to keep this functionality active on your website.
- Advantages:
- Faster loading speed on mobile devices.
- Better positioning in Google search results.
- Improved user experience.
- Disadvantages:
- Limitations in the design and functionalities of the content.
- Possible conflicts with other plugins.
- Requires additional maintenance.
How to disable Google AMP in WordPress
There are different methods to disable Google AMP in WordPress, depending on how you initially implemented it. Here are the most common ways to do this.
Deactivation through plugins
If you have used a plugin to enable Google AMP, the easiest way to disable it is through the plugin's own settings. Here are the general steps:
1. Log in to the WordPress administration panel. 2. Go to the 'Plugins' section and locate the AMP plugin you have installed. 3. Click 'Disable' or 'Remove' to deactivate Google AMP.
Remember that after deactivating the plugin, it is advisable to clear the site cache to ensure that the changes are reflected immediately.
Disabling AMP in the WordPress theme
In some cases, Google AMP may be enabled directly from the WordPress theme you are using. To disable it, follow these steps:
1. Go to 'Appearance' and then 'Theme Editor' from the admin panel. 2. Find the 'functions.php' file or the specific file of the theme that handles AMP. 3. Comment out or delete the lines of code that enable AMP.
It is always advisable to make a backup of your theme files before making changes to the code.
Deactivation through .htaccess files
For more advanced users, it is possible to disable Google AMP via the .htaccess file. This method is more technical and requires caution:
1. Connect to your server via FTP or use the file manager of your hosting.
2. Locate the '.htaccess' file in the root of your WordPress installation.
3. Add the following code to the end of the file:
RewriteEngine On
RewriteCond %{QUERY_STRING} ^amp$ [NC]
RewriteRule ^(.*)$ /$1? [R=301,L]
This code will redirect AMP URLs to their normal version, thus removing AMP functionality from your website.
Checking the deactivation of AMP
Once you have deactivated Google AMP, it is essential to check that everything is working properly. You can do this in the following ways:
- Visit your website on a mobile device and verify that AMP URLs are no longer active.
- Use tools like Google Search Console to make sure there are no AMP-related errors.
- Perform speed tests to check whether page loading has improved or remained the same.
Alternatives to Google AMP
If you decide to disable Google AMP, there are several alternatives you can consider to improve the loading speed of your website on mobile devices:
- Image optimization: Make sure your images are optimized for the web, using formats such as WebP.
- Cache implementation: Use caching plugins such as W3 Total Cache or WP Super Cache to improve speed.
- Use of a CDN: A Content Delivery Network (CDN) can help deliver your content faster to users.
