FieldLock Sync Guard for ACF
Prevents ACF field groups from being edited while Local JSON changes are waiting to be synced.
Solid choice
FieldLock Sync Guard for ACF is a solid plugin choice in 2026, with a few things worth checking first. It runs on 10+ sites and was last updated 2 months ago, and scores 62/100 on our health check.
- Tested with the latest WordPress (7.1)
- Small user base (10+ active installs)
- Very few reviews so far
- Needs PHP 8.2 or newer
How does it stack up?
Side-by-side on installs, updates, ratings & support
Daily downloads
Download spikes usually follow a new release — each site that auto-updates counts as a download.
Rankings
Where FieldLock Sync Guard for ACF stands todayWordPress.org search rankings
Live position in the plugin search, top 100| Keyword | Position |
|---|---|
| acf | >100 |
| advanced custom fields | >100 |
| field groups | >100 |
| local json | >100 |
| sync | >100 |
Version adoption
Share of active sites per release.
About FieldLock Sync Guard for ACF
From the official readme · v1.1.0Description
FieldLock Sync Guard for ACF detects ACF field-group JSON files that do not yet exist in the WordPress database or have a newer modified timestamp. While a sync is pending, it:
- Shows an administrator notice with a link to ACF’s sync screen.
- Lists each pending field group and explains why it needs syncing.
- Disables the Update button on ACF field-group edit screens.
- Shows an inline explanation and sync link on locked edit screens.
- Blocks normal field-group saves on the server.
Private Local JSON files are ignored. Detection is cached briefly and runs only in the WordPress administrator. The plugin works with ACF and ACF PRO, and does not include ACF.
FieldLock Sync Guard for ACF is an independent compatibility plugin and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by the owners of ACF or ACF PRO.
The plugin makes no remote requests, collects no telemetry, and contains no upsells.
Installation
- Upload the plugin directory to
/wp-content/plugins/, or install the plugin ZIP through Plugins > Add New. - Activate ACF or ACF PRO.
- Activate FieldLock Sync Guard for ACF.
- When a warning appears, follow its link and sync the pending field groups in ACF.
Frequently asked questions
What counts as a pending sync?
A non-private group_ Local JSON item is pending when its key does not exist as an acf-field-group post in the database, or when its modified timestamp is newer than the database post’s modified timestamp.
Can lock behaviour be customized?
Yes. Developers can use these filters: fieldlock_sync_guard_for_acf_should_lock changes the final lock decision. fieldlock_sync_guard_for_acf_sync_url changes the notice link. fieldlock_sync_guard_for_acf_cache_lifetime changes the transient lifetime in seconds. fieldlock_sync_guard_for_acf_capability changes the capability used for notices and locks. Example: add_filter( 'fieldlock_sync_guard_for_acf_cache_lifetime', function () { return 30; } );
Changelog
1.1.0
- List pending field groups and explain whether each group is missing or has newer Local JSON.
- Add clearer lock messaging and a sync link to ACF field-group edit screens.
1.0.1
- Confirmed compatibility with WordPress 7.1.
1.0.0
- Initial release.
For developers
Is this your plugin? Show off the numbers.
Add a live badge to your site, docs or GitHub README. It updates on its own — no account needed.
Best FieldLock Sync Guard for ACF alternatives
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FAQ
FieldLock Sync Guard for ACF: quick answers
Straight answers, pulled from live WordPress.org data.
Live data from WordPress.org · checked Oct 15, 2026
Is FieldLock Sync Guard for ACF free?
Yes. FieldLock Sync Guard for ACF is free to download and use from the official WordPress.org plugin directory.
Is FieldLock Sync Guard for ACF safe to use in 2026?
FieldLock Sync Guard for ACF is a solid plugin choice in 2026, with a few things worth checking first. It runs on 10+ sites and was last updated 2 months ago, and scores 62/100 on our health check.
How many websites use FieldLock Sync Guard for ACF?
FieldLock Sync Guard for ACF is active on 10+ WordPress websites and has been downloaded 333 times since it launched in July 2026. It was downloaded 73 times in the last 30 days.
Does FieldLock Sync Guard for ACF work with WordPress 7.1?
Yes. The developer has tested FieldLock Sync Guard for ACF up to WordPress 7.1.3, the latest release. It requires WordPress 7.0 or newer.
What PHP version does FieldLock Sync Guard for ACF need?
FieldLock Sync Guard for ACF requires PHP 8.2 or higher. Most hosts run PHP 8.x today, so it works on any modern WordPress hosting.
When was FieldLock Sync Guard for ACF last updated?
The latest version, 1.1.0, was released on August 26, 2026 (2 months ago).
Who makes FieldLock Sync Guard for ACF?
FieldLock Sync Guard for ACF is developed and maintained by Shane Muirhead.
What are the best alternatives to FieldLock Sync Guard for ACF?
The most popular alternatives to FieldLock Sync Guard for ACF are Advanced Custom Fields (ACF… (2M+ installs), ACF Content Analysis for Yo… (100K+ installs) and Advanced Custom Fields: Ext… (100K+ installs).
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