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How to Fix the 'Ooops! JavaScript Didn't Load' Error in MonsterInsights

16 threads Sep 16, 2025 Plugin → Monsterinsights

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Many WordPress users encounter a frustrating error when using the MonsterInsights plugin: a message stating 'Ooops! It Appears JavaScript Didn't Load'. This error prevents the plugin's reports and dashboard from loading correctly, often accompanied by a specific JavaScript error in the browser's console.

Based on community reports and common solutions, this error is typically not a bug in the core plugin but a conflict with other software on your site or browser. Here’s a breakdown of why it happens and the most effective steps to resolve it.

Why This Error Occurs

The MonsterInsights interface is built with modern JavaScript. If something on your website or in your browser interferes with how that JavaScript loads or runs, the plugin cannot function, resulting in this error message. Common causes include:

  • Browser Extensions: Ad blockers, script blockers, or privacy extensions are the most frequent culprits.
  • Caching & Optimization Plugins: Overly aggressive minification, concatenation, or caching of JavaScript files can break the MonsterInsights scripts.
  • Theme or Plugin Conflicts: Another plugin or your theme might be causing a JavaScript error that halts all subsequent scripts, including MonsterInsights.
  • Local Environment Issues: In rare cases, local browser cache or specific browser settings can cause problems.

Step-by-Step Troubleshooting Guide

Follow these steps in order to diagnose and fix the issue.

1. Test in a Private/Incognito Browsing Window

This is the most critical first step. Open a private (Chrome) or incognito (Firefox) window and log into your WordPress admin. Navigate to the MonsterInsights report.

  • If it works: The issue is almost certainly caused by a browser extension. Disable your extensions one by one in your normal browser to identify the problematic one. Remember to whitelist your site in any ad blockers.
  • If it does NOT work: The problem is likely on your website. Proceed to the next step.

2. Check Your Browser's Console for Errors

The error message often includes a specific JavaScript error (e.g., Uncaught TypeError: Cannot read properties of undefined). To see the full error:

  1. Open your browser's developer tools (usually by pressing F12).
  2. Click on the 'Console' tab.
  3. Reload the MonsterInsights report page.
  4. Look for any red error messages and note the exact text. This information is vital for further troubleshooting.

3. Conflict Test with Other Plugins and Theme

A theme or plugin conflict is a common cause. To test for this:

  1. Temporarily switch your theme to a default WordPress theme like Twenty Twenty-Four.
  2. Check if the MonsterInsights error persists. If it resolves, the issue is with your theme.
  3. If the error remains, deactivate all plugins except MonsterInsights.
  4. If the error is now gone, reactivate your plugins one by one, checking MonsterInsights after each, to find the conflicting plugin.

4. Configure Caching and Optimization Plugins

If you use a caching or optimization plugin (e.g., WP Rocket, W3 Total Cache, Autoptimize), it may be incorrectly processing MonsterInsights' JavaScript files. A frequent solution from the community is to exclude MonsterInsights scripts from optimization.

Add the following URLs to your optimization plugin's exclusion lists for minification, concatenation, and/or caching:

  • /google-analytics-for-wordpress/assets/js/*.js
  • www.googletagmanager.com

Important: After making any changes to your cache or optimization settings, always clear your site's cache completely before testing again.

5. For Advanced Users: Render-Blocking Scripts

Some speed testing tools may flag the MonsterInsights tracking script as 'render-blocking.' While this is a separate issue from the admin area error, it can be related to how scripts are loaded. The MonsterInsights team has stated they follow Google's recommended implementation. However, some community members have shared code snippets to add async attributes to the script tags. Use such custom code with caution and only if you are comfortable editing your site's functions.php file.

What to Do If Nothing Works

If you have tried all the steps above and the error persists, the issue may be more complex. The next best step is to seek help from the wider community. When asking for help, be sure to provide the exact JavaScript error from your browser console, a list of your active plugins and theme, and the steps you have already taken. This information will help others diagnose your problem more effectively.

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