.htaccess: added
# to disable the configuration that blocks xmirpe
a2disconf block-xmIrpc
# to restart the server
systemct1 reload apache2
and downloaded “Rename XMLRPC file” plug-in per “https://apps.wordpress.com/support/mobile/login-signup/my-host-blocks-xml-rpc-access-how-do-i-fix-that/“