Some links on this page are affiliate links: if you buy through them we may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you.
To let someone moderate WordPress comments without making them an administrator, assign them a role with both moderate_comments and edit_posts. The first capability allows moderation; the second is also required to access the Comments screen. Because edit_posts opens post-related administration areas too, use a narrowly configured role and test it with the moderator’s account.
What permissions does a comment moderator need?
WordPress roles are bundles of capabilities. For the dashboard Comments screen, the relevant permissions are:
moderate_commentslets a user moderate comments.edit_postsis also required to access the Comments screen.manage_optionscontrols settings screens such as Discussion. A moderator generally should not need it; leave it with administrators.
WordPress’s Roles and Capabilities documentation explains that moderate_comments allows users to moderate comments from the Comments screen, but that they need edit_posts to access that screen. The default Author role does not include comment-moderation rights, so assigning someone the Author role alone is not enough.
There is a trade-off: the required edit_posts capability also exposes post administration areas. If the moderator should not have broader post access, create a custom role containing only the capabilities needed for the site’s workflow rather than granting full Administrator access.
#1 Best Overall
Assign a suitable role
- Open the user account. In the dashboard, go to Users and edit the intended account. If the person does not yet have an account, create one first.
- Choose or create a role. Assign a role that has both
moderate_commentsandedit_posts. Do not assume a role is suitable based on its name: confirm its capabilities. The default Author role does not have comment-moderation rights. - Keep settings access restricted. Do not add
manage_optionsjust to let someone review comments. That capability grants access to settings such as Discussion, which the moderator does not need for routine review. - Test the account. Have the user sign in with their own account and open Dashboard > Comments. Confirm they can see and act on the comments they are meant to handle, and check that the role has not exposed more access than intended.
Do not share an administrator password. If you use a role-management tool to create or edit a role, review its current maintenance, compatibility, privacy, and pricing before installing it; the WordPress dashboard steps and exact controls vary by tool.
Make sure comments can enter the moderation queue
Giving a user moderation capabilities does not itself require comments to wait for approval. To hold every new comment until it is reviewed, go to Settings > Discussion, enable An administrator must always approve the comment under Before a comment appears, then save the changes. The setting’s label refers to approval being required; the delegated user still needs the appropriate capabilities to handle comments in the dashboard.
Also check the individual post’s Discussion setting if visitors cannot comment on a particular post. Comments must be enabled on that post before visitors can submit them.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Review pending comments and handle them
In Dashboard > Comments, the moderator can use Pending to find comments held for review. Depending on the comment and the account’s permissions, available actions include:
Rank #3
- Handy note taking workbook for students
- Use to improve research skills and test scores
- Offers effective strategies and reference section
- Apply to textbooks, novels, research, on-line resources and class lectures
- Illustrates Venn diagrams, webs, tables, lists, summaries and more
- Approve a comment so it can appear on the site.
- Reply to respond to the commenter.
- Edit a comment when a correction is appropriate.
- Spam or Trash a comment that should not appear.
The Comments screen separates statuses such as Pending, Approved, Spam, and Trash. New comments that fail the site’s configured checks can be held for moderation instead of appearing immediately.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Adjust filtering and notifications
In Settings > Discussion, the site administrator can tune the moderation workflow using the available controls:
- Set a link-count threshold to send comments with too many links to moderation.
- Add terms to the moderation list to hold comments containing those terms.
- Choose whether a previously approved commenter may bypass some approval checks.
Keep moderation email notifications enabled if the moderator is expected to respond promptly. These controls can reduce obvious spam, but they do not replace review of the queue.
Recommended Free Tools
Quick Recap
Keep access limited and revoke it when needed
- Use the least-privileged role that supports the required comment workflow.
- Review the role’s capabilities and the areas available to the account, especially because
edit_postsalso exposes post-related administration. - Recheck role assignments after plugin or membership changes.
- When the delegation ends, remove the moderation role or its capabilities from the user.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
