Using Spam Filtering with Jetpack

In this article:

• Configuring Akismet Anti-spam
• Managing Spam

Spam is not just an email problem. For WordPress, it is quite often an annoying issue with the commenting system involving posts. Comments on posts are often bombed with spam responses that come from malware or automated robots. Dealing with this type of spam can result in hours of lost productivity. To help stop spam response from accumulating in your WordPress site you can use the Jetpack Spam Filtering options. Jetpack includes the use of the Akismet anti-spam service. If you purchase any Jetpack subscription then you will be able to use the anti-spam service with your WordPress site. Follow the instructions below to learn how to configure and use the Akismet anti-spam option within Jetpack.

Note: The following instructions require that you have a paid Jetpack subscription. You can also subscribe to any InMotion WordPress Hosting plan from WP-Launch or higher and your paid Jetpack subscription will be included.

How to Configure Akismet Anti-Spam in Jetpack

Akismet comes loaded with your Jetpack subscription. If you do not see it loaded then you may need to install the plugin. The instructions for the installation can be found here. The instructions also include the method to activate the plugin with your Jetpack account.

All instructions and configurations for Jetpack start from within the WordPress Administrator Dashboard. You will need to be logged in as an Administrator to make any changes.

1. In the WordPress Administrator Dashboard, click on Jetpack, then click on Akismet Anti-spam.
2. You will see the Akismet configuration page. If you do not see the API key, then go to the directions linked above to install the plugin or use the API key provided by your Jetpack subscription.
3. Select the options that you wish to use for the tool.
   

   Comments	Click in the check box to show the number of approved comments beside each comment author
   Strictness	Click on the radial button to delete the spam or have save into spam box for later review.
   Privacy	Choose to display or not to display a privacy notice

4. Click on the Save Changes button once you’re satisfied with the settings

Managing Spam

Spam that is flagged in WordPress will be automatically moved into the spam box that you can view through the comments section within the WordPress Administrator Dashboard. Akismet Anti-spam typically works automatically without the need for you to manage it unless you have set it to move spam comments into the spam box. Note that any spam older than 15 days is automatically deleted. Follow the steps below to remove spam from the spam box.

1. Log in to the WordPress Administrator Dashboard (if you’re not already in it).
2. In the menu, click on Comments.
3. If you have any spam, then you will see the number in parentheses next to the label “Spam” at the top of the screen. Click on Spam to go to the spam box.
   
   Here you can review comments that have been designated as spam. Note that if you have set Akismet to automatically delete spam, then you will not see spam comments in this location.
4. Click on the spam comment you want to review. If you want to remove all of the comments in the spam box, simply click on the Empty Spam button.

That completes our tutorial on using Akismet Anti-spam with your Jetpack subscription. As you can see it’s a very simple tool to use! For more information on using Jetpack, please see Using Jetpack Security and Backups.