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What are debug mode and read-only mode for on Faaaster?

Debug mode displays PHP and WordPress errors on the site's pages; read-only mode locks the files to prevent any change to the code. The first is set from the Server tab, Advanced section, the second from the Security tab.

Debug mode

According to the interface: "Activate the debug mode of WordPress and PHP."

Beware: errors will be displayed on your site pages, so your visitors can see them. Only turn it on for the duration of a diagnosis, and turn it off right afterwards.

It's located in the Server tab, Advanced section.

Read-only mode

According to the interface: "Lock the files for writing to prevent any modification of the code. The /wp-content/uploads directory will remain open for writes."

It's located in the Security tab, Server security section, Read only row.

In practice: with read-only mode on, WordPress can no longer install or update plugins or themes. Media uploads, however, still work.

On a large site, the switch can take a while. If the interface shows "We couldn't confirm this change yet", wait: the switch updates by itself with your site's actual state. Check it before trying the action again.

Which one to use when?

A problem to diagnose → debug mode, temporarily.
A production site you want to freeze → read-only mode.

The Advanced section of the Server tab, where debug mode is set.

Updated on: 10/03/2026

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