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Apply fails with “bad secret” (403)

The plugin on your site holds a different secret from the dashboard. Upload a fresh download.

3 min read Intermediate

A 403 {"error":"bad secret"} means the plugin on your site holds a different secret from the one the dashboard sent. It usually happens after Regenerate secret, or when a plugin downloaded for another site was uploaded here.

  1. 1Open Settings → Connections → Connect CMS and click Download plugin on the WordPress card.
  2. 2In WP admin, go to Plugins → Add New Plugin → Upload Plugin and upload the new ZIP. WordPress replaces the installed copy.
  3. 3Make sure it is active, then try Apply to site again.

Still on the older must-use plugin at wp-content/mu-plugins/nexus-apply.php? Its secret has to match the dashboard exactly. Replace that file with ranknexus-connect.php from the new ZIP, or delete it and install the ZIP as a normal plugin.

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Install the WordPress plugin

Download the plugin from your dashboard, upload it in WP admin, activate. The connection completes on its own.

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