How to Disable Widget Blocks in WordPress

Are you tired of dealing with widget blocks in WordPress? Do you want to disable the new Gutenberg editor and restore the traditional widget area?

Look no further! This article will guide you on how to disable widget blocks in WordPress. By following these simple steps, you can regain control over your website’s widgets and bring back the classic widget area that you’re familiar with.

There are several methods you can use to achieve this. One option is to install the Classic Widgets plugin, which automatically switches back to the traditional widget area.

Alternatively, you can use the Disable Gutenberg plugin to completely disable Gutenberg and restore classic widgets.

If you prefer a more hands-on approach, you can also use code snippets or filter hooks.

Let’s get started and regain control over your WordPress widgets!

Installing the Classic Widgets Plugin

To install the Classic Widgets plugin, follow these simple steps.

First, log in to your WordPress dashboard.

Then, navigate to the ‘Plugins’ section and click on ‘Add New.’

In the search bar, type ‘Classic Widgets’ and hit enter.

Look for the ‘Classic Widgets’ plugin in the search results and click on the ‘Install Now’ button next to it.

Once the installation is complete, click on the ‘Activate’ button to activate the plugin.

After activation, the Classic Widgets plugin will automatically disable the widget block and restore the traditional widget area in your WordPress dashboard.

This allows you to easily manage and customize your widgets without the constraints of the block editor.

Installing the Classic Widgets plugin is a straightforward solution to disable the widget block and regain control over your widgets in WordPress.

Installing the Disable Gutenberg Plugin

Install the Disable Gutenberg plugin to easily disable widget blocks and restore the classic widget area in WordPress. Here’s how to install the plugin:

1. Go to the WordPress dashboard and navigate to ‘Plugins’ -> ‘Add New’.
2. In the search bar, type ‘Disable Gutenberg’ and press enter.
3. Look for the ‘Disable Gutenberg’ plugin by Jeff Starr and click on the ‘Install Now’ button.
4. Once the installation is complete, click on the ‘Activate’ button to activate the plugin.

After activating the plugin, go to ‘Settings’ -> ‘Disable Gutenberg’ to access the plugin settings.

In the settings, you’ll find checkboxes to disable the block editor and enable Classic Widgets. Tick the checkbox for ‘Disable Block Editor’ and click on the ‘Save Changes’ button.

Now, the widget blocks will be disabled, and you can use the classic widget area in WordPress.

Using the Use_Widgets_Block_Editor Filter Hook

To disable widget blocks in WordPress, you can utilize the use_widgets_block_editor filter hook. By adding the code add_filter( ‘use_widgets_block_editor’, ‘__return_false’ ) to your theme’s functions.php file, you can disable widget blocks and restore the traditional widget area.

This method provides a manual way to disable block widgets without the need for an additional plugin. After adding the code snippet, check the Appearance > Widgets section to confirm if the traditional widget area has been restored.

This approach is beneficial for users who prefer to manage their website’s functionality directly through custom code, without relying on plugins like the Classic Editor Plugin or the Disable Gutenberg Plugin.

With the use_widgets_block_editor filter hook, you have control over disabling widget blocks in WordPress and maintaining the desired layout for your website.

Using the Remove_Theme_Support Snippet

You can disable widget blocks in WordPress by utilizing the remove_theme_support snippet. This snippet allows you to remove the support for block widgets and restore the traditional widget area in your WordPress theme.

Here is how you can use the remove_theme_support snippet:

1. Open the functions.php file of your active WordPress theme.
2. Add the following code snippet to the functions.php file:

add_action('after_setup_theme', function() {
remove_theme_support('widgets-block-editor');
});

3. Save the functions.php file.

By adding this code snippet, you’re removing the theme support for block widgets in WordPress. As a result, the traditional widget area should be restored, allowing you to use the classic widgets instead.

This method doesn’t require installing any additional plugins and provides a simple way to disable widget blocks in WordPress.

Disabling WordPress Block Widgets: Step-by-Step Guide

To disable WordPress block widgets, follow these simple steps.

First, open your WordPress dashboard and navigate to the ‘Plugins’ section. Search for the ‘Classic Widgets’ plugin and click on ‘Install Now’ and then ‘Activate’ to enable the plugin. This will automatically switch back to the classic widget editor, allowing you to manage your widgets as before.

Alternatively, you can use custom code to disable block widgets. Open your theme’s functions.php file and add the following code snippet:

add_filter( 'use_widgets_block_editor', '__return_false' );

Save the changes and refresh your website. This code will prevent the block editor from managing widgets and restore the classic widget editor.

How to Restore Classic Widgets in WordPress

Looking to restore classic widgets in WordPress? If you prefer the traditional widget system over the block editor, here are three methods you can use to bring back the classic widgets:

1. Install the Classic Widgets plugin: This plugin automatically switches your widget area back to the classic editor once activated.
2. Use the Disable Gutenberg plugin: By ticking checkboxes in the plugin settings, you can disable the block editor and restore the classic widgets.
3. Manually add code to your theme’s functions.php file: You can use the use_widgets_block_editor filter hook or the remove_theme_support snippet to disable the block editor and restore the traditional widget area.

Easy Methods to Disable Widget Blocks in WordPress

Three easy methods to disable widget blocks in WordPress are available for users to choose from.

The first method is to install the Classic Widgets plugin. Developed by WordPress Contributors, this plugin automatically switches back to the classic widget system upon activation and can be deactivated to switch back to block widgets.

Another option is the Disable Gutenberg plugin, developed by Jeff Starr. This plugin not only allows users to disable the block editor and use Classic Widgets but also provides access to plugin settings to enable Classic Widgets.

Lastly, users can use the use_widgets_block_editor filter hook by adding code to the functions.php file or use the remove_theme_support snippet to disable widget blocks and restore the traditional widget area.

These methods offer a straightforward way to disable widget blocks and maintain the classic widget system in WordPress.

Achieve a Traditional Widget Area in WordPress

To achieve a traditional widget area in WordPress, you can follow these steps:

1. Install the Classic Widgets plugin: This plugin allows you to disable the block editor and go back to using the classic widgets. Simply activate the plugin, and the traditional widget area will be restored automatically.
2. Use the Disable Gutenberg plugin: This plugin not only disables the block editor but also gives you the option to enable Classic Widgets. By ticking the checkboxes in the plugin settings, you can easily switch back to the traditional widget area.
3. Employ manual code snippets: If you prefer not to use additional plugins, you can manually add code to your theme’s functions.php file or use a plugin like Code Snippets. By removing support for block widgets, you can disable them and restore the traditional widget area.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Do I Turn off Blocks in WordPress?

To turn off blocks in WordPress, you can install the Classic Widgets plugin or the Disable Gutenberg plugin. Alternatively, you can use code snippets in the functions.php file or the remove_theme_support snippet.

How Do I Disable Widget Plugins?

To disable widget plugins in WordPress, you can install the Classic Widgets plugin or the Disable Gutenberg plugin. Another option is to use code snippets in the functions.php file or the remove_theme_support snippet.

How Do I Disable Widgets on Certain Pages in WordPress?

To disable widgets on certain pages in WordPress, you can use plugins like Widget Options or Conditional Widgets. These plugins allow you to choose specific pages where you want the widgets to be hidden or shown.

How Do I Unlock a Widget in WordPress?

To unlock a widget in WordPress, go to the Appearance menu and select Widgets. Find the widget you want to unlock and click on it. Then, uncheck the “Locked” option and save your changes.

Conclusion

In conclusion, by following the steps outlined in this article, you can easily regain control over your WordPress widgets and disable widget blocks.

Whether you choose to install plugins or use code snippets, you have several options to restore the traditional widget area that you’re familiar with.

Don’t let widget blocks in WordPress hinder your website’s functionality – take control and customize your widgets to suit your needs.