How to remove the Powered by WordPress footer?

Sajjad
WordPress
26 Jul, 2025

The "Powered by WordPress" footer is a standard feature included in many WordPress themes. It signifies that your website is built on the WordPress platform, a popular content management system. By default, this credit is visible on the bottom of your site's pages, serving as a nod to the creators of WordPress.

While this footer is a testament to the platform's capabilities, it might not align with your branding goals or aesthetic preferences. For some, leaving such a credit on a professional site might appear unpolished or imply a lack of customization. Understanding this footer's role helps you make an informed decision about whether to keep, modify, or remove it entirely.

You may wonder why WordPress includes this footer by default. It's part of their open-source philosophy, offering free software in exchange for promotional visibility. Removing it is generally acceptable, especially if you prioritize a cohesive look and feel across your online presence.

Why Remove the Powered by WordPress Footer?

There are several reasons you might consider removing the "Powered by WordPress" footer from your site. The most common reason is to maintain a professional appearance. For businesses and personal brands, presenting a unique and polished website is crucial. Removing default elements like this footer can help achieve a more customized and authoritative look.

Another reason is to improve user experience. Excessive or irrelevant information can distract visitors from your main content. By removing unnecessary elements, you can streamline your site's design, making it easier for users to navigate and focus on the essential parts of your site.

Lastly, security concerns may drive you to remove the footer. While not a direct security threat, displaying the WordPress credit can signal to potential attackers that your site runs on WordPress. This might make it a target for generic attacks aimed at exploiting common WordPress vulnerabilities. Thus, removing the footer could contribute to a less overtly identifiable site, adding a layer of security through obscurity.

Methods to Remove the Powered by WordPress Footer

There are multiple methods you can use to remove the "Powered by WordPress" footer. Each method varies in complexity and effectiveness, depending on your technical skills and the theme you are using.

WordPress Customizer: Some themes offer the option to remove or edit footer credits directly through the WordPress Customizer. This method is user-friendly and doesn’t require coding knowledge.

Theme's Footer.php File: For those comfortable with coding, directly editing the theme's footer.php file is a viable option. This method provides the most control but requires caution to avoid breaking your site’s layout.

Plugins: Alternatively, you can use plugins specifically designed to manage or remove footer credits. This method is ideal if you prefer not to delve into code but want the flexibility to change the footer easily.

Custom CSS: Applying custom CSS can also hide or alter the footer credits. This method is less intrusive than editing the footer.php file but requires some understanding of CSS.

Each of these methods has its own set of pros and cons, which we'll delve into in the following sections. Choose the method that best suits your comfort level and needs.

Using WordPress Customizer to Remove Footer Links

Using the WordPress Customizer is one of the easiest methods to modify or remove the "Powered by WordPress" footer. This tool provides a user-friendly interface that allows you to change various aspects of your theme without any coding.

To begin, navigate to your WordPress dashboard and select Appearance > Customize. This will open the WordPress Customizer, where you can access theme-specific options. Look for sections such as "Footer," "Site Identity," or "Theme Options," as these often contain settings related to footer credits.

If your theme supports it, you should see an option to edit or remove the footer credit. Simply make the necessary changes and preview them in real-time. Once satisfied, click Publish to apply the changes to your live site. If your theme doesn’t offer this option, you may need to use one of the other methods described later.

Editing the Theme's Footer.php File

For those who are comfortable with coding, editing the theme's footer.php file provides a more permanent solution to removing the "Powered by WordPress" footer. This method requires access to your website’s files, either through an FTP client or your hosting provider's file manager.

Begin by locating the footer.php file within your theme's directory, usually found under wp-content > themes > your-theme-name. Before making any changes, create a backup of this file to prevent potential issues.

Open the footer.php file in a text editor and search for the code responsible for displaying the footer credit. This code typically contains a function call like wp_footer() or a hardcoded HTML block with the WordPress credit. Carefully remove or comment out this code.

Once you've made the desired changes, save the file and upload it back to your server if using an FTP client. Refresh your website to verify that the footer credit is gone. Keep in mind that updating your theme might overwrite these changes, so consider using a child theme to preserve your modifications.

If your theme does not provide a built-in option, you can edit the footer.php file directly.

Warning: Editing theme files can break your site if done incorrectly. Always back up your files first.

Steps:

=> Go to Appearance > Theme Editor in your WordPress dashboard.

=> Select the footer.php file from the list on the right.

=> Locate the line that contains “Powered by WordPress.” It may look like this:


<div class="site-info">
    <?php printf( __( 'Proudly powered by %s', 'theme-textdomain' ), 'WordPress' ); ?>
</div>

=> Delete or modify this line as needed.

=> Click Update File to save your changes.

Alternative: Use an FTP client to download, edit, and re-upload the file.

Using a Plugin to Remove the Footer

Plugins offer a convenient and code-free way to remove the "Powered by WordPress" footer. They are especially useful if you're not comfortable editing theme files or if your theme doesn't provide options through the Customizer.

Search for plugins in the WordPress repository using terms like "footer credit removal" or "remove powered by WordPress." Some popular plugins for this purpose include "Remove Footer Credit" and "WP Customizer." Install and activate the plugin of your choice.

After activation, navigate to the plugin's settings page, usually found under Settings in your dashboard. Follow the instructions provided by the plugin to remove or customize the footer credits. Most plugins offer straightforward interfaces with clear instructions, making this method accessible for users of all skill levels.

Using a plugin has the added benefit of simplifying future theme updates, as your changes won't be overwritten. However, be mindful of plugin compatibility and updates to ensure continued functionality.

Custom CSS Solutions for Footer Removal

Custom CSS is another effective approach to hiding the "Powered by WordPress" footer without altering theme files directly. This method involves adding a small snippet of CSS code that targets and hides the footer element.

To implement this solution, go to Appearance > Customize in your WordPress dashboard and select the Additional CSS section. Here, you can enter custom CSS that will apply to your entire site.

Locate the CSS class or ID associated with the footer credit by inspecting the element using your browser's developer tools. Common classes might include .site-info or .footer-credits. Use the following CSS snippet as a template, replacing .site-info with the appropriate class or ID:

.site-info {
  display: none;
}

After pasting the code, preview the changes and ensure the footer credit is no longer visible. If satisfied, click Publish to apply the CSS to your live site. This method is non-destructive, meaning it hides the footer without deleting any code, making it easy to reverse if necessary.

Potential Issues After Removing the Footer

While removing the "Powered by WordPress" footer can enhance your site's appearance, it's essential to be aware of potential issues that may arise. One common problem is theme updates. If you manually edited the footer.php file, updates can overwrite your changes, requiring you to reapply them or use a child theme.

Another issue relates to compatibility. Not all themes or plugins may interact seamlessly after removing default elements. Always test your site thoroughly after making changes to ensure all functionalities remain intact. Check for broken links, missing elements, or layout shifts that might affect the user experience.

Finally, consider the ethical implications of removing the footer. While it's common practice, remember that the footer serves as a form of credit to WordPress’s open-source community. If possible, consider contributing back to the community in other ways, such as participating in forums or offering feedback.

Alternatives to Removing the Footer

If you're hesitant about completely removing the "Powered by WordPress" footer, consider alternative approaches that still align with your branding and design goals. One option is to customize the footer text instead of removing it entirely. This can be done through the WordPress Customizer or by editing theme files, allowing you to include your own branding alongside the WordPress credit.

Another alternative is to reposition the footer credit to a less prominent location on your site. This can be achieved through custom CSS, ensuring the credit remains visible without dominating your page’s design. This approach maintains recognition of WordPress while prioritizing your site’s unique elements.

Finally, consider collaborating with a professional web developer. They can provide custom solutions tailored to your specific needs, ensuring a polished and cohesive website without compromising on functionality or ethics.

FAQ: How to remove the Powered by WordPress footer?

Yes. WordPress is open-source and licensed under the GPL, which allows you to modify the code, including the footer.

Removing the footer credit itself does not harm SEO. In fact, removing unnecessary external links can help retain link equity.

Absolutely. You can add your own copyright, business name, or custom links.

Use a child theme, custom CSS, or a plugin to remove or customize the footer.

While not required, it’s a good practice to credit or support theme developers, especially if you use a free theme.

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Removing the "Powered by WordPress" footer is a common step for those seeking a more professional and branded website appearance. Whether you choose to use the WordPress Customizer, edit theme files, employ a plugin, or apply custom CSS, each method offers distinct advantages suited to different comfort levels and technical skills.

Remember to weigh the potential issues and ethical considerations associated with altering default credits. Opt for a method that aligns with your goals while respecting the WordPress community.

Here are several useful references that provide official guidance, documentation, and additional tutorials related to removing or editing the "Powered by WordPress" footer. These can deepen your understanding and help validate the methods described in the article:

🔧 Official WordPress Documentation

Theme Developer Handbook – Customizing Themes https://developer.wordpress.org/themes/ Covers how WordPress themes are structured, including footer files and how to override them properly.
Theme File Editor Guide https://wordpress.org/support/article/appearance-editor-screen/ Learn how to use the built-in Theme File Editor to access footer.php.
Child Themes – WordPress Handbook https://developer.wordpress.org/themes/advanced-topics/child-themes/ Official documentation on how to safely create and manage child themes.

🧩 Plugins to Remove Footer Credit

Remove Footer Credit Plugin (by WPDeveloper) https://wordpress.org/plugins/remove-footer-credit/ Allows you to remove or replace footer text from many WordPress themes without editing code.
Customizer Remove Footer Credit https://wordpress.org/plugins/customizer-remove-footer-credit/ Another plugin that adds footer removal options directly to the Customizer.

📚 Popular Theme Documentation

Astra Theme – Customize Footer https://wpastra.com/docs/change-footer-copyright-text/ Step-by-step guide to editing footer text in the Astra theme.
Divi Theme – Footer Settings https://www.elegantthemes.com/documentation/divi/footer/ Official guide on how to customize the footer in Divi, including the credit area.
OceanWP Footer Customization https://docs.oceanwp.org/article/433-how-to-change-footer-copyright-text Explains how to edit or remove footer credit in OceanWP.

💡 Helpful Tutorials and Forums

WPBeginner – How to Remove the “Powered by WordPress” Footer https://www.wpbeginner.com/wp-themes/how-to-remove-the-powered-by-wordpress-footer-links/ A beginner-friendly tutorial with visuals and multiple methods covered.
Stack Overflow & WordPress Stack Exchange https://wordpress.stackexchange.com/ A great place to ask theme-specific questions if you're stuck editing your footer.

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