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WordPress: Removing Powered by WordPress from the Footer

If you want to give your WordPress site a professional and customized look, one of the first steps is removing the default “Powered by WordPress” text from the footer. While harmless, this footer credit can make your site look less unique. Some users also prefer to remove it for security reasons, as it can reveal the CMS being used. The good news? Since WordPress is under the GPL license, you are free to modify or remove this credit without any copyright concerns.

  • How to Remove "Powered by WordPress" from your Website
  • Summary

Here is a video guide we created to guide you through the steps.

How to Remove "Powered by WordPress" from your Website​

Here are two reliable methods to remove the "Powered by WordPress" text from your site's footer.

  • Method 1: Using a Plugin
  • Method 2: Editing the Theme's Footer (footer.php)

Method 1: Using a Plugin​

Using a plugin offers a quick alternative to manually editing the theme's footer. However, the plugin's compatibility with your website depends on the theme you are using. Here are the steps to remove the "Powered by WordPress" text using a plugin.

  1. Log in to your Bluehost Account Manager.

  2. In the left-hand menu, click Websites.

  3. Click the WORDPRESS ADMIN button located next to the website you want to manage. Bluehost Account Manager - Website WordPress Admin button

  4. Click Plugins in the left-side menu, then select Add Plugin. WordPress dashboard - Plugins - Add Plugin

  5. Search for a plugin called "Remove 'Powered by WordPress' " (or any similar plugin). Search for "Remove 'Powered by WordPress'" plugin

  6. Click Install Now , then Activate. Install and Activate "Remove 'Powered by WordPress'" plugin

  7. Go to the Installed Plugins section. For supported themes, the plugin will automatically remove the "Powered by WordPress" text from the footer upon activation. If it does not, check the Installed Plugins section. WordPress dashboard - Plugins - Installed Plugins

  8. Locate the Remove "Powered by WordPress" plugin, then click the Settings link under it. "Remove 'Powered by WordPress'" plugin - Setttings

  9. On the "Customizing" page, put a check mark on the "Remove Powered by WordPress Removes the "Proudly powered by WordPress" text displayed in the website footer " option. "Remove 'Powered by WordPress'" - Selected

  10. You'll notice that the "Proudly powered by WordPress." text in the footer area has been removed. Remove 'Powered by WordPress - Removed

This method involves manually editing your theme's footer.php file. This requires coding knowledge and should only be done with backups in place , preferably on a staging site first. Before editing your WordPress theme, do the following:

  • Always make sure to back up your theme files before making any code changes.
  • If you're unsure about editing code, consider using a plugin for a safer approach.

  1. Within your WordPress dashboard, locate the Theme File Editor. Depending on the theme of your website, this may be found under Appearance or Tools. WordPress Dashboard - Appearance - Theme File Editor

  2. In the right pane, under Theme Files , select footer.php. Theme Files - footer.php

  3. Look for a block of code that includes the line "powered-by-wordpress." Please note that this line of code may vary depending on your theme.. Theme Files - footer.php - Search for block of codes

  4. Delete this block of code, scroll down, then click Update File to save your changes.

  5. This will now remove the "Powered by WordPress " from the footer. You can verify this by navigating to the theme settings or by checking your website on the staging site. Make sure everything is functioning properly before making any updates to your live site.

Any future theme updates may overwrite your custom changes, causing the footer credit to reappear. If that happens, you’ll need to repeat this process or consider using a child theme to preserve your edits.

Summary​

The "Powered by WordPress" footer credit is generally harmless, but many site owners prefer to remove it for several reasons: to enhance the professionalism of their website, improve security by obscuring the content management system (CMS), and create a more unique, customized appearance. Since WordPress is licensed under the GPL, you are free to remove or alter this credit without any copyright issues. This article outlines two effective methods for removing the "Powered by WordPress" text from your footer: using a plugin or editing the theme's footer directly. If you choose the second method, please proceed with caution and ensure you have a backup, as theme updates may overwrite your changes.