Contact Form 7 is a popular WordPress plugin used to create and manage forms on your website. However, users occasionally encounter a peculiar issue where two loading bars appear when a form is submitted. This problem can be both confusing and frustrating. In this article, we’ll explore the causes of this issue and provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to resolve it.
Understanding the Two Loading Bar Issue
The “two loading bar” problem typically occurs when a user submits a form, and instead of a single loading indicator, two loading bars appear simultaneously. This can lead to a confusing user experience and potentially affect the form’s functionality. The issue usually arises due to conflicts in JavaScript or CSS, plugin conflicts, or custom modifications.
Common Causes
- JavaScript Conflicts: Conflicts between JavaScript files from different plugins or themes can cause unexpected behavior. If there are multiple scripts trying to control the loading animation, it may result in two loading bars.
- CSS Conflicts: Similarly, CSS rules from various sources might overlap or conflict, leading to multiple loading indicators being displayed.
- Plugin Conflicts: Sometimes, other plugins that interact with forms or JavaScript may conflict with Contact Form 7, causing multiple loading bars to appear.
- Theme Issues: Your WordPress theme might have custom scripts or styles that interfere with Contact Form 7’s default behavior.
- Custom Modifications: Any custom code added to modify form behavior could inadvertently cause issues with the loading bars.
How to Fix the Problem
Here’s a step-by-step guide to troubleshoot and resolve the issue:
1. Update Everything
Ensure that your WordPress core, themes, and plugins (including Contact Form 7) are up to date. Updates often include bug fixes and improvements that might resolve the problem.
- Update WordPress: Go to Dashboard > Updates and install the latest version.
- Update Plugins: Navigate to Plugins > Installed Plugins and update all plugins.
- Update Theme: Go to Appearance > Themes and update your theme if needed.
2. Check for JavaScript Conflicts
To identify JavaScript conflicts:
- Inspect the Console: Open your browser’s developer tools (usually by pressing F12 or right-clicking and selecting “Inspect”). Go to the “Console” tab and look for any error messages related to JavaScript. Errors might give you clues about conflicting scripts.
- Disable Other Plugins: Temporarily deactivate other plugins one by one and test the form submission to see if the issue persists. If deactivating a plugin resolves the issue, there’s a conflict between Contact Form 7 and that plugin.
3. Examine Custom Code
If you’ve added custom JavaScript or CSS to your site, review it for errors or conflicts:
- Custom JavaScript: Check any custom scripts you’ve added to your theme or through plugins. Ensure they don’t interfere with Contact Form 7.
- Custom CSS: Inspect your CSS files or inline styles for conflicting rules related to the loading indicator.
4. Review Theme Code
If the problem seems related to your theme:
- Switch to a Default Theme: Temporarily switch to a default WordPress theme like Twenty Twenty-One. If the issue resolves, the problem likely lies within your theme’s code.
- Check Theme Scripts: Review your theme’s functions.php file or other custom scripts for code that might affect form behavior.
5. Use Debugging Plugins
Install and activate a debugging plugin like Query Monitor to get more insights into potential conflicts or issues. This can help pinpoint the source of the problem.
6. Consult Support
If you’ve tried the above steps and the problem persists:
- Contact Contact Form 7 Support: Reach out to the Contact Form 7 support team or check their support forums for similar issues.
- Seek Professional Help: If necessary, consider consulting a developer who can provide a more detailed analysis and solution.
Conclusion
The “two loading bar” problem in Contact Form 7 can be troublesome, but it’s typically solvable with some troubleshooting. By updating your software, checking for conflicts, reviewing custom code, and consulting support, you can restore a smooth and professional user experience on your website. Don’t let this issue deter you; with the right approach, your Contact Form 7 setup will be back to normal in no time.
