Understanding Flamingo Plugin Compatibility with New WordPress Versions
Content
Many WordPress users rely on the Flamingo plugin to store and manage contact form submissions from Contact Form 7. A common concern that arises frequently in community support forums is whether Flamingo remains compatible with the latest versions of WordPress, especially since the plugin's official page often shows a warning that it "has not been tested with the current version of WordPress."
Why This Warning Appears
The WordPress.org plugin repository automatically displays a warning message when a plugin has not been officially tested against the three most recent major WordPress releases. For Flamingo, which is developed by the same author as Contact Form 7, updates to this "tested up to" version string are sometimes released less frequently than core WordPress updates. This does not necessarily mean the plugin is broken or abandoned; it is often simply an administrative delay in updating the plugin's metadata.
Is Flamingo Actually Compatible?
Based on extensive user reports from the Flamingo support forums, the plugin has a strong track record of continuing to function correctly through many WordPress core updates, even when the "tested up to" value is outdated. Users have successfully reported using it with WordPress 6.7.1, 6.8, and other recent versions without encountering problems. The core functionality of capturing form submissions typically remains unaffected.
Potential Issues and Solutions
While the plugin generally works well, some specific compatibility issues have been historically noted. Being aware of them can help you troubleshoot.
- Deprecated Function Warnings: A known issue occurred around WordPress 4.5, where Flamingo used a deprecated function (
add_object_page). This caused a PHP notice and, in some cases, a blank white screen if debugging was enabled. The fix involved a simple code change to use the updated function, which was often shared by the community in support threads. - Admin Menu Disappearing: After the update to WordPress 3.9, some users reported the Flamingo admin menu item vanished from the dashboard. This was also related to changes in the WordPress admin menu API and required a code update from the Flamingo team.
- Memory Exhaustion Errors: In a very rare case, a user encountered a fatal error related to memory exhaustion when Flamingo was active alongside other specific plugins. The solution was to temporarily deactivate Flamingo to confirm it was the source of the conflict, which is a standard troubleshooting step for any plugin.
Best Practices for Users
If you are considering using Flamingo on a site with a newer WordPress version, follow these steps to ensure stability:
- Backup Your Site: Always take a full backup of your website (files and database) before installing, updating, or changing any plugin or theme.
- Test on a Staging Site: The safest method is to test the plugin on a staging or development copy of your live site. This allows you to verify compatibility without risking your live site's functionality.
- Check Community Feedback: As evidenced by the support threads, the community is active. Searching for your specific WordPress version and "Flamingo" can provide recent user experiences.
- Enable Debugging Cautiously: If you suspect an issue, you can enable
WP_DEBUGin yourwp-config.phpfile to log any PHP warnings or notices. Do this only on a staging site, as displaying errors on a live site is a security risk.
In summary, while the Flamingo plugin may not always have its "tested up to" version promptly updated, community experience strongly indicates it remains broadly compatible with modern WordPress releases. By taking sensible precautions, most users can continue to use it effectively.
Related Support Threads Support
-
is this flamingo plugin Compatible with 4.5?https://wordpress.org/support/topic/is-this-flamingo-plugin-compatible-with-45/
-
WordPress 5.x compatibilityhttps://wordpress.org/support/topic/wordpress-5-x-compatibility-2/
-
Is this plugin abandoned?https://wordpress.org/support/topic/is-this-plugin-abandoned-44/
-
is this plugin compatible with wordpress 4.4?https://wordpress.org/support/topic/is-this-plugin-compatible-with-wordpress-44/
-
almost abandonedhttps://wordpress.org/support/topic/almost-abandoned/
-
Compability to wordpress 6.4.1https://wordpress.org/support/topic/compability-to-wordpress-6-4-1-2/
-
are you compaitble with wordpress 4.6 rc2?https://wordpress.org/support/topic/are-you-compaitble-with-wordpress-46-rc2-3/
-
Flamingo 1.0.3's behaviour under WordPress 3.5.1https://wordpress.org/support/topic/flamingo-103s-behaviour-under-wordpress-351/
-
Update to latest version of WordPresshttps://wordpress.org/support/topic/update-to-latest-version-of-wordpress/
-
readme translated to dutchhttps://wordpress.org/support/topic/readme-translated-to-dutch-3/
-
Is Flamingo going to be update to at least …https://wordpress.org/support/topic/is-flamingo-going-to-be-update-to-at-least/
-
compatible with 3.9?https://wordpress.org/support/topic/compatible-with-39/
-
Updateshttps://wordpress.org/support/topic/updates-189/
-
Flamingo 2.2.1 Compatible with WordPress 5.7https://wordpress.org/support/topic/flamingo-2-2-1-compatible-with-wordpress-5-7/
-
Update to WP 6.8https://wordpress.org/support/topic/update-to-wp-6-8/
-
Updates?https://wordpress.org/support/topic/updates-265/
-
Php what version should my wordpress php be?https://wordpress.org/support/topic/php-what-version-should-my-wordpress-php-be/
-
Anyone who updated to WP 4.4?https://wordpress.org/support/topic/anyone-who-updated-to-wp-44/
-
Flamingo compability wordpress 6.2https://wordpress.org/support/topic/flamingo-compability-wordpress-6-2/
-
PHP 7.x Compatibilityhttps://wordpress.org/support/topic/php-7-x-compatibility-3/
-
Update to WordPress 6.4.2https://wordpress.org/support/topic/update-to-wordpress-6-4-2/
-
Old Version of Flamingo?https://wordpress.org/support/topic/old-version-of-flamingo/
-
WP 4.9 compatible?https://wordpress.org/support/topic/wp-4-9-compatible-3/
-
Since last week I need to disable Flamingo to get WP Telegram Login workinghttps://wordpress.org/support/topic/since-last-week-i-need-to-disable-flamingo-to-get-wp-telegram-login-working/