Plugin not working while logged out

Hi @ckluver66, I just ran a couple of tests and recorded the results as a couple of videos. You can download the zip file containing both videos here.

As you can see, the “switch theme” links work great when the user is logged out. The first video shows the “everyone” option, and the second video shows the “passkey” option. This is how the plugin works normally. So if what you see in the videos is not what is happening on your site, something (like another plugin or theme) is interfering with normal functionality.

Are you familiar with basic troubleshooting? If not, here is a WordPress troubleshooting guide that will walk you thru the basic idea. Specifically for this issue check out the two sections on troubleshooting Plugins and Themes.

Let me know if any questions, glad to help.

So, I have now tested this with 2 different installs, one standard and one multisite.

the standard had multiple plugins active AND I could switch the theme while logged-in BUT no avails with any combination of passkey, link or shortcode.

decided to create a fresh install with just the sample page and only barest essential plugins active (only 4) AND same results;

I can switch while logged in and not while logged out from the front-facing side of the website.

the fact that theme successfully switches while logged in under live and demo conditions BUT not while logged out should be the issue.

happy to debug / troubleshoot as I think this can be a good plugin;

kindly advise…

Glad to help. The first thing we know is that the feature works fine on default WordPress. This is clearly demonstrated in the videos linked in my previous comment.

So given that, the next step is to do some basic troubleshooting of your theme and plugins (all plugins, not just some of them). Here is a troubleshooting guide I wrote to help WP users. Specifically check out the sections on “Plugins” and “Themes” are most relevant to this case. Going thru and checking each/all of your plugins and theme will reveal where the conflict is happening so action can be taken.

Let me know if any questions.

thanks for quick reply.

well, I have no doubt your plugin works and further, it works with all my plugins activated; as long as I am logged in !

so, I need not watch videos.

next, on my test install:
1. I have only two plugins working; yours and classic editor.
2. sample page with your short code (it shows all the themes installed)
3. twenty nineteen and twenty twenty themes

and I still cannot run it while logged out; tried it on three different browsers; safari; chrome and foxfire

so, something does not add up;

be happy to give you full admin access to the my test install and you can go to town in figuring out what may be wrong…?

email me your email address for this.

Sure. So for this:

“I have only two plugins working; yours and classic editor.”

That would be the first thing I look at. Does the issue persist when Classic Editor plugin is deactivated? If not, then there is a conflict with Theme Switcha and Classic Editor. Or if the issue persists after deactivating Classic Editor, then there is a bug with Theme Switcha.

SO if it turns out to be an issue with Classic Editor, I will do whatever possible to resolve any bugs in Theme Switcha. But it also may be necessary to report and resolve on the Classic Editor side of things.

deactivated classic editor;

the only plugin active on the test site is your plugin and I cannot switch from sample page;

BUT; I can run with all my 20+ plugins of full install as long as I am logged in; it changes themes flawlessly…

https://ibb.co/kg7GhWJ

see the above link showing image of only one plugin, yours…

Yep then it sounds like a bug with the plugin. If you can let me know the shortcode or method you are using to display the theme switcha links I will investigate asap.

I have used all your methods, except changes to the php code…

Display themes as list of links:
[theme_switcha_list display=”list”]
// display = (list or flat) format of the list

Display themes as thumbnail links:
[theme_switcha_thumbs style=”true”]
// style = (true or false) include default CSS

https://example.com/?theme=my-awesome-theme

https://example.com/?theme=my-awesome-theme&passkey=1234567890

(yes, I replaced the above with my links, names, passkey etc.)

hope this helps…

be happy to assist in any other way; you have a great plugin and it works, except when logged out…

That’s brilliant, thanks. It’s definitely a bug. I’ve added to the to-do list and will try to resolve for the next plugin update. Please post again if you find any further/relevant infos, thank you.

well, that is nice; glad to be of help;

I will not be able to anything with your plugin till you update or ask me to test something for you…

any idea when you plan to release your next update?

Next month, planned.

Same problem. Nothing I try works on a logged out site. Neither everyone nor passcode. I would PAY for this plugin if it would work. Sure am looking forward to that upgrade!!

I’ve investigated this issue on default WP with the following plugin settings:

– “Enable Switching” (enabled)
– “Allowed Users” (set to either “Everyone” or “Only with Passkey”)
– All other settings left at default values

With these settings on default WP, theme switching works normally either logged in or logged out (just visiting). So I am not sure what’s happening for your particular case, but without being able to replicate the issue, there is not much I can do other than maybe recommend further troubleshooting.

Note just for completeness, here is the format of the URLs I was using to test the theme switching for logged in and logged out users:

https://example.com/?theme-switch=twentyeleven&passkey=1234567890abcdefghij

Again, here are a couple of videos that show the plugin working normally for both logged-in and logged-out users. The download file is in .zip format fyi.

So best advice if logged-out theme switching is not working, double-check your settings, make sure the Passkey is correct, and then ensure the URL includes the required/correct parameters (as shown above).

Feel free to post any further questions, glad to help however possible.

• This reply was modified 4 years, 8 months ago by Jeff Starr. Reason: adds infos
• This reply was modified 4 years, 8 months ago by Jeff Starr.
• This reply was modified 4 years, 8 months ago by Jeff Starr.