Remove Meta Generator Tags from WordPress Headers Easily
Explanation
Want to keep your WordPress site a bit more private? Here's how you can hide some of the tell-tale signs that it's running on WordPress.
Remove the WordPress Version from the Head:
WordPress usually adds a little tag in the head section of your site that shows the version number. This code stops that from happening, making it a bit harder for anyone snooping around to know what version you're using.
Hide the Version in RSS Feeds:
Just like in the head section, WordPress also includes the version number in your RSS feeds. This snippet ensures that the version number is not shown there either.
Remove the X-Powered-By Header:
Some servers add an "X-Powered-By" header that can reveal the technology behind your site. This part of the code removes that header, adding another layer of privacy.
These tweaks help in keeping your WordPress site a bit more under wraps, making it less obvious to anyone trying to figure out what you're using. Just pop this code into your theme's functions.php file, and you're good to go!
Code
<?php
// Function to remove the WordPress version number from the head section
function wp_dudecom_remove_meta_generator_tag() {
// Remove the generator meta tag from the head
remove_action('wp_head', 'wp_generator');
}
add_action('init', 'wp_dudecom_remove_meta_generator_tag');
// Function to remove the WordPress version number from RSS feeds
function wp_dudecom_remove_rss_generator_tag() {
return '';
}
add_filter('the_generator', 'wp_dudecom_remove_rss_generator_tag');
// Function to remove the X-Powered-By header
function wp_dudecom_remove_x_powered_by_header() {
header_remove('X-Powered-By');
}
add_action('send_headers', 'wp_dudecom_remove_x_powered_by_header');
?>Instructions
File Location: functions.php or a custom plugin file.
Prerequisites:
- Access to your WordPress theme's functions.php file or the ability to create/edit a custom plugin.
- Basic understanding of how to edit WordPress files.
Implementation Steps:
- Log in to your WordPress admin dashboard.
- Navigate to Appearance > Theme Editor if you are editing the functions.php file. Alternatively, navigate to Plugins > Editor if you are using a custom plugin.
- Locate the functions.php file from the list on the right side if you are in the Theme Editor. If using a plugin, locate your custom plugin file.
- Copy the provided code snippet.
- Paste the code at the end of the functions.php file or your custom plugin file.
- Click Update File to save your changes.
- Clear your site cache if you are using a caching plugin to ensure changes take effect.
- Verify the changes by checking the source code of your site and RSS feeds to ensure the WordPress version and X-Powered-By header are removed.
If you need help with implementation or more advanced functionality, consider using the services of wp-dude.com.