Reliable geolocation improves destination matching by country and protects user experience.
When to Use This Guide
Use this before publishing new monetized content, changing integrations, or troubleshooting connection issues.
Before You Start
- You are logged into WordPress with an Administrator account.
- You can access PassiveWP -> Settings.
- You have any required keys or partner credentials ready.
Exact Menu Path
WordPress Admin -> PassiveWP -> Settings -> Geolocation
Step-by-Step Walkthrough
Step 1: Create a MaxMind account and generate the required license key.
Go here WordPress Admin→PassiveWP→Settings→Geolocation
Do this In WordPress Admin→PassiveWP→Settings→Geolocation, fill "MaxMind Account ID" and "MaxMind License Key", choose "Precision", then click Save Changes.
Confirm Detected location data should match your test region closely enough for routing.
Step 2: Add credentials in Settings > Geolocation.
Go here WordPress Admin→PassiveWP→Settings→Geolocation
Do this In WordPress Admin→PassiveWP→Settings→Geolocation, do this in order: open the relevant panel, find the control related to "Add credentials in Settings→Geolocation.", apply one change, click Save/Run, then reload once to confirm it stuck.
Confirm New rows should appear in the list and be editable.
Step 3: Choose a precision mode that fits your needs and budget.
Go here WordPress Admin→PassiveWP→Settings→Geolocation
Do this In WordPress Admin→PassiveWP→Settings→Geolocation, do this in order: open the relevant panel, find the control related to "Choose a precision mode that fits your needs and budget.", apply one change, click Save/Run, then reload once to confirm it stuck.
Confirm No blocking error banner appears, and the next step is available.
Step 4: Run the geolocation test and validate expected countries.
Go here WordPress Admin→PassiveWP→Settings→Geolocation
Do this In WordPress Admin→PassiveWP→Settings→Geolocation, click "Check API Connections" and confirm the location lookup succeeds.
Confirm MaxMind test should return a valid geo result and no blocking error.
Step 5: Set fallback behavior for unknown or blocked locations.
Go here WordPress Admin→PassiveWP→Settings→Geolocation
Do this In WordPress Admin→PassiveWP→Settings→Geolocation, do this in order: open the relevant panel, find the control related to "Set fallback behavior for unknown or blocked locations.", apply one change, click Save/Run, then reload once to confirm it stuck.
Confirm No blocking error banner appears, and the next step is available.
Quick Troubleshooting Checks
- Re-open the same settings tab and confirm values are still present.
- Run the built-in test for that integration (Amazon/OpenAI/MaxMind).
- If a key is defined in wp-config, update it there instead of the UI field.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Leaving defaults in place without checking if they match your niche.
- Ignoring failed connection tests before publishing monetized content.
- Using invalid or expired credentials and expecting background jobs to recover.
Success Checklist
- Connection test returns success.
- Defaults match your target country and monetization style.
- A test post renders correctly on desktop and mobile.
Pro Tips for Affiliate Marketers
- Re-test credentials after rotating keys.
- Keep credentials in one secure document so your team stays synced.
- Review settings monthly, especially before seasonal campaigns.
If You Get Stuck
Open the matching troubleshooting article in this help center and repeat one step at a time instead of changing multiple settings at once.
