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Simple Headless CMS Mode

Add an optional headless mode to WordPress while keeping wp-admin and APIs available.

by Jayesh Mahajan · github.com/jayeshmahajan23/simple-headless-cms

★ 0stars

Install

Download source zip No release zip yet

This is the repository archive. It installs, but the folder name will carry the branch suffix and updates will not flow.

Install straight from GitHub with WP-CLI:

wp plugin install https://github.com/jayeshmahajan23/simple-headless-cms/archive/refs/heads/main.zip
No built-in updater. New versions won't appear under Dashboard → Updates. Install new releases yourself, or let Git Updater track the repository.
Readme github.com/jayeshmahajan23/simple-headless-cms ↗

A small helper plugin that can disable normal public theme rendering while keeping WordPress admin and API routes available.

Description

Use WordPress as a content backend for a separate frontend application such as Next.js or React.

Features:

  • Optional headless mode.
  • Choose how public frontend requests behave: 404, redirect, or an informational message.
  • Configure the frontend URL for redirect behavior.
  • WordPress admin and REST API routes are excluded from frontend handling.
  • GraphQL can be used when a compatible GraphQL plugin is installed.

Important: This plugin does not install or configure a GraphQL server, does not change API authentication, and does not make private content public.

Installation

  1. Upload the plugin folder to /wp-content/plugins/ or install the ZIP through Plugins > Add New > Upload Plugin.
  2. Activate the plugin.
  3. Go to Settings > Headless CMS.
  4. Configure the public page behavior.
  5. Test all frontend, API, preview, sitemap, and authentication flows on staging before enabling headless mode on production.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this plugin provide a GraphQL API?

No. WordPress core provides the REST API. GraphQL requires a separate compatible plugin, such as WPGraphQL.

Does enabling headless mode disable the REST API?

No. The plugin intentionally leaves WordPress REST API routes available. API visibility and permissions continue to follow WordPress and installed plugin behavior.

Will this automatically make my site secure?

No. Use HTTPS, least-privilege user roles, secure authentication, updates, backups, and appropriate server/CDN controls. Public content may remain publicly available through APIs.

Can I turn headless mode off?

Yes. Disable Headless mode in Settings > Headless CMS to restore normal public theme rendering.

Changelog

0.1.0

  • Initial prototype release.