[SOLVED] How to Fix Contact Form 7 Page Refresh After Submit?

Key Takeaways

  • Contact Form 7 is a free and open-source plugin for WordPress that allows users to create and manage multiple contact forms.
  • Page refresh after form submission can confuse users, leading them to think their message was not sent or that there was an error.
  • Deactivating other plugins can help identify conflicts causing the page refresh issue in Contact Form 7.
  • Using AJAX to submit the form can resolve the page refresh issue by adding specific code to the functions.php file.

I understand the importance of having a functional contact form that allows visitors to easily get in touch with me.

However, it can be frustrating when the Contact Form 7 plugin on WordPress refreshes the page after submission. This issue can cause visitors to miss error messages or even think that their message was not sent.

After encountering this issue myself, I decided to do some research and find a solution. Through my findings, I discovered several ways to fix the Contact Form 7 page refresh after submit problem.

By implementing these solutions, website owners can ensure that their visitors have a smooth and hassle-free experience when submitting a contact form.

Table of Contents

Understanding the Page Refresh Problem in Contact Form 7

I will provide an overview of what Contact Form 7 is, what causes page refresh after submit, and why it’s an issue.

What is Contact Form 7?

Contact Form 7 is a popular plugin for WordPress that allows website owners to create and manage multiple contact forms. It is a free and open-source plugin, which means that anyone can download and use it.

Contact Form 7

Why is Page Refresh After Submit a Problem?

The page refresh after submitting a form is a problem because it can be confusing for users. If the page refreshes, users may think that their form was not submitted correctly or that there was an error. This can lead to frustration and may cause users to abandon the form altogether.

Additionally, if the page refreshes, any errors or missing fields in the form will be displayed. This can be embarrassing for website owners, especially if the form is being used for business purposes.

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What Causes Page Refresh After Submit?

One of the main reasons why the Contact Form 7 plugin refreshes the page after submitting a form is due to a JavaScript file not being loaded correctly. This can happen if you are using a theme that has page optimizers like Lite Speed Cache. In this case, the problem is usually with the theme, and you may need to contact the theme developer for assistance.

4 Ways to Solve Page Refresh Issue in Contact Form 7

If you are facing the issue of page refresh after submitting a form in Contact Form 7, you are not alone. This issue can be caused by various factors, such as conflicts with other plugins, themes, or server settings. Here are four methods that can help you solve the page refresh issue in Contact Form 7.

Method 1: Deactivating Other Plugins

One of the most common reasons for the page refresh issue in Contact Form 7 is conflicts with other plugins. To check if this is the case, you can deactivate all other plugins except Contact Form 7 and see if the issue persists. If the problem is resolved, then you can reactivate each plugin one by one to identify the conflicting plugin.

Once you find the culprit plugin, see if there’s an update or try contacting their developer with the issue.

Method 2: Switching to the Default WordPress Theme and Check

Another way to check if the issue is caused by a theme conflict is to switch to the default WordPress theme and see if the problem persists. If the issue is resolved, then you can switch back to your original theme and check if the problem persists.

And once again report to the Theme developers

Method 3: Modifying the Header and Footer Files

In some cases, modifying the header and footer files of your theme can solve the page refresh issue in Contact Form 7. You can add the following code to your header.php file just before the </head> tag:

<?php wp_head(); ?>

Similarly, you can add the following code to your footer.php file just before the </body> tag:

<?php wp_footer(); ?>

Method 4: Using AJAX to Submit the Form

Using AJAX to submit the form can also solve the page refresh issue in Contact Form 7. You can add the following code to your functions.php file:

add_filter( 'wpcf7_ajax_loader', '__return_false' );
Adding Custom Code to Function php file

To safely add code to the functions.php file in WordPress, use Child Theme or a code snippet plugin, it is recommended to follow some best practices, if you’re new to this, you can refer to this blog.

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Conclusion

In this article, I have provided various solutions to fix the issue of Contact Form 7 page refresh after submit. I have explained the reasons behind this problem and provided step-by-step instructions to resolve it.

In conclusion, fixing the Contact Form 7 page refresh after submit issue is crucial to ensure a smooth user experience on your website. By following the solutions provided in this article, you can resolve this problem easily and efficiently.

If you’re still facing the issue, feel free to comment below or connect with me, I will check that for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do if deactivating other plugins doesn't fix the page refresh issue in Contact Form 7?

If deactivating other plugins doesn't resolve the page refresh issue, consider switching to the default WordPress theme. This helps identify if the problem is theme-related. If the issue persists even with the default theme, you might need to modify your theme's header and footer files to ensure proper script loading.

Can I use AJAX to submit forms in Contact Form 7, and how does it help?

Using AJAX to submit forms in Contact Form 7 prevents the page from refreshing after submission. This enhances user experience by allowing users to see confirmation messages without losing their input. To implement this, add the filter `add_filter( 'wpcf7_ajax_loader', '__return_false' );` to your functions.php file.

What causes the page refresh issue in Contact Form 7?

The page refresh issue in Contact Form 7 often occurs due to a JavaScript file not loading correctly, which can be exacerbated by themes with page optimizers like Lite Speed Cache. Identifying and resolving these conflicts is crucial for a smooth user experience.

What are the best practices for modifying header and footer files in WordPress?

When modifying header and footer files in WordPress, always back up your files first. Add the necessary code snippets just before the closing `` and `` tags, respectively. This ensures that scripts load correctly and can help resolve issues like the page refresh in Contact Form 7.

What common mistakes should I avoid when troubleshooting Contact Form 7?

Common mistakes include not checking for plugin conflicts by deactivating all but Contact Form 7, or neglecting to switch to a default theme for testing. Additionally, failing to properly modify header and footer files can lead to unresolved issues, so ensure you follow best practices when making changes.

Last reviewed: April 28, 2026

About the Author

Photo of Aditya Sharma CMO & Marketing Head
CMO · POSIMYTH Innovations · 7 years experience

CMO at POSIMYTH Innovations (500K+ users). I do marketing, SEO, server management, AI automation, content, and YouTube. Everything I write here comes from real work and real experiments.

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