The WordPress Remove Screen Options button is a smart move to create a more streamlined admin interface, especially for users who may unintentionally change their settings.
First, we will clarify what the WordPress remove screen options do and assess whether it truly needs to go.
We’ll then break everything down into straightforward setups and customization options. This modification will be simple and effective, ensuring a better user experience. Take control of your WordPress environment and simplify it for everyone involved.
This step-by-step guide will provide practical methods to eliminate this feature from your WordPress dashboard without compromising core functionality.
Understanding Screen Options in WordPress
Purpose and Default Location
You’ll find the Screen Options button in the top-right corner of your WordPress admin panel. This built-in feature helps you customize how information is displayed on various admin screens.
The button appears as a dropdown tab that, when clicked, reveals several visibility toggles specific to the current admin page.
Impact on User Interface
The Screen Options button significantly affects your WordPress admin experience in the following ways:
- Controls visibility of page elements
- Manages the number of items displayed per page
- Adjusts column layouts in posts/pages lists
- Toggles additional fields in post-editors
Common Uses and Limitations
Screen Options is a tool in WordPress that lets you customize what you see in different admin areas. Here’s a quick look at how it works in various parts of the admin dashboard:
Posts/Pages List:
You can show or hide columns and choose how many items appear on each page. However, you can’t add new custom columns.Post Editor:
You can choose which meta boxes (extra settings or info areas) are visible. But you’re limited to the meta boxes that already exist.Dashboard:
You can manage which widgets are shown on the main dashboard screen. You can’t create new widgets here.Users List:
You can control which columns are visible. Still, some default columns can’t be removed.
Why You Might Want to Remove Screen Options
Even though Screen Options can be useful, it might be a good idea to hide this feature for your clients. Here’s why:
- It keeps the admin interface simpler and less confusing.
- It prevents accidental changes to the layout, which can happen with less experienced users.
Now that you know how Screen Options affect the WordPress admin area, let’s look at what you need to prepare if you plan to remove this feature.
Preparing for Remove Screen Options
1. Backing up your WordPress site
Before customize WordPress admin panel, create a complete backup of your site. Use a reliable backup plugin like UpdraftPlus or BackWPup to save:
- Database backup
- Theme files
- Plugins
- Media files
- Configuration files
2. Accessing the theme files
You have three primary methods to access your theme files:
FTP Client:
This method gives you direct access to the server and lets you make updates in real time.
Cons: You’ll need your FTP login details to use it.File Manager (from your hosting panel):
This is a built-in tool provided by your hosting service. It’s quick and convenient to use.
Cons: It depends on what your hosting provider offers.Theme Editor (inside WordPress):
This is an easy way to edit theme files directly from your WordPress dashboard.
Cons: It has limited features and control compared to the other options.
3. Identifying the correct code location
Locate your active theme’s functions.php file, typically found in:
wp-content/themes/your-theme-name/functions.php
4. Required coding skills and tools
To successfully WordPress remove screen options button, you’ll need:
- Basic PHP knowledge
- Text editor (VS Code, Sublime Text, or Notepad++)
- FTP client (FileZilla or Cyberduck)
- Access to WordPress dashboard
- Understanding of WordPress hooks and filters
Ensure you have proper file permissions (usually 644 for files and 755 for directories) before making any changes.
Once these preparations are complete, you can implement the code to WordPress remove screen options button from your WordPress admin panel.
Code Implementation Methods
1. Using functions.php
The WordPress remove screen options button by adding a simple code snippet to your theme’s functions.php file. Here’s how you can implement it:
function remove_screen_options() {
return false;
}
add_filter(‘screen_options_show_screen’, ‘remove_screen_options’);
2. Creating a Custom Plugin
For a more portable solution, you can create a dedicated plugin:
- Create a new PHP file named remove-screen-options.php
- Add the following plugin header and code:
/*
Plugin Name: Remove Screen Options
Description: WordPress Remove Screen Options
Version: 1.0
Author: Your Name
*/
add_filter(‘screen_options_show_screen’, ‘__return_false’);
3. Using a Child Theme for Customization
A child theme is a safer and more reliable way to add custom features to your WordPress site without affecting the main theme.
Here are three common ways to implement custom code:
functions.php (in the main theme):
This method is quick and easy to use.
Cons: Your changes will be lost when the theme is updated.Custom Plugin:
This method works independently of any theme, so it’s portable and flexible.
Cons: You’ll need to manage the plugin separately.Child Theme:
This is safe during theme updates and works specifically with your theme.
Cons: You need to set up a child theme if you haven’t already.
Steps to Implement with a Child Theme:
- Set up a child theme (if you haven’t done this yet).
Add your custom code to the
functions.phpfile inside the child theme.Test your changes on different parts of the admin area to make sure everything works as expected.
Each method works, but the best choice depends on your goals:
Use a custom plugin if you want more flexibility and portability.
Use a child theme if you want your changes to stay safe during updates and work specifically with your current theme.
Now that you know how to implement your changes, the next step is learning how to test and troubleshoot them effectively.
Testing and Troubleshooting
1. Verifying Screen Options Removal
After implementing your code changes, you must verify that the WordPress remove screen options button has been successful.
Log into your WordPress admin panel and check multiple pages to ensure consistent removal across all sections.
2. Checking for Conflicts
Standard plugin conflicts you might encounter:
- Admin menu customization plugins
- Dashboard modification tools
- Security plugins that modify admin interfaces
- Custom admin theme plugins
3. Browser Testing
Test your implementation across different browsers to ensure consistency:
Browser
- Chrome
- Firefox
- Safari
- Edge
Testing Points
- Admin panel loading, page transitions
- JavaScript functionality, CSS rendering
- Mobile responsiveness, interface elements
- Layout consistency, button removal
4. Common Error Solutions
When troubleshooting issues, focus on these critical areas:
- Clear your browser cache and WordPress cache
- Disable all plugins temporarily to identify conflicts.
- Check your browser’s console for JavaScript errors.
- Verify your code is loading in the correct admin hook.
- Ensure proper function naming to avoid conflicts.
5. Restoring Functionality
If you need to restore the Screen Options button, simply remove the code you added to your functions.php file or deactivate the custom plugin you created.
Always keep a backup of your original configuration before making changes.
Now that you’ve confirmed everything works correctly, you should explore additional admin panel customization options to enhance your WordPress dashboard further.
Alternative Customization Options
Limiting Screen Options Access by User Role
You can implement role-based restrictions for the Screen Options button using WordPress’s built-in capabilities system. Here’s a practical approach:
function restrict_screen_options($show_screen) {
if (!current_user_can(‘manage_options’)) {
return false;
}
return $show_screen;
}
add_filter(‘screen_options_show_screen’, ‘restrict_screen_options’);
Hiding Specific Screen Options
If you don’t want to remove the entire Screen Options button, you can choose to hide specific parts of it instead. Here’s how:
To hide Help Tabs:
Use the code:remove_action('admin_head', 'wp_help_tab')
Priority: 10To hide Meta Boxes:
Use the code:remove_meta_box()
Priority: 20To hide Columns in post lists (like Posts or Pages):
Use the filter:manage_{post_type}_posts_columns
Priority: 10
(Replace{post_type}with the actual post type, likepostorpage)
you can control exactly what parts of the Screen Options are available to users, without removing the button entirely. For more information visit Hostinger.
Using Existing Plugins
Several WordPress plugins offer admin customization capabilities:
- Admin Menu Editor Pro
- Ultimate Dashboard Pro
- AdminPress
Key benefits of using plugins:
- No coding required
- User-friendly interface
- Additional customization options
- Regular updates and support
- Reversible changes
Now that you understand these alternative approaches let’s wrap up with some final thoughts on WordPress admin customization.
Conclusion
WordPress remove screen options are straightforward and can help streamline your admin interface and provide a cleaner user experience.
Using the above methods, you can successfully implement this customization through code snippets or plugins while ensuring your site’s functionality remains intact.
Always test your changes in a development environment first and maintain regular site backups.
Whether you use direct code implementation or explore alternative customization options, you can now remove screen options in WordPress to better suit your needs and preferences.
