WordPress - How do I remove meta generator tags?

Introduction

Removing meta generator tags from a WordPress site is a common issue that can be frustrating for developers and site owners. In this article, we will discuss how to remove meta generator tags, including those from WordPress, plugins, and themes.

Why Remove Meta Generator Tags?

Meta generator tags, such as <meta name="generator" content="WordPress 3.5" />, are used by WordPress and plugins to identify the software used to create a website. However, these tags can be a security risk, as they provide valuable information about your website's software and potential vulnerabilities. Removing meta generator tags can help protect your website from security threats.

Removing Meta Generator Tags in WordPress

To remove meta generator tags in WordPress, you can use the following methods:

1. Using remove_action Function

You can use the remove_action function to remove the meta generator tag from the wp_head hook. Add the following code to your theme's functions.php file:

remove_action('wp_head', 'wp_generator');

This will remove the meta generator tag from the wp_head hook.

2. Using disable_version Function

You can also use the disable_version function to remove the meta generator tag. Add the following code to your theme's functions.php file:

function disable_version() {
  return '';
}
add_filter('the_generator', 'disable_version');

This will remove the meta generator tag from the the_generator filter.

3. Using a Plugin

If you're not comfortable with code, you can use a plugin like "Remove WP Meta" to remove meta generator tags.

Removing Meta Generator Tags from Themes

Some themes may have hardcoded meta generator tags in their templates. If this is the case, you will need to manually remove the tag from the theme's template.

Removing Meta Generator Tags from Plugins

Some plugins, such as the "Woo Framework", may have their own meta generator tags. To remove these tags, you can use the remove_action function. Add the following code to your theme's functions.php file:

remove_action('wp_head', 'wp_generator');
remove_action('wp_head', 'woo_version');

This will remove the meta generator tags from the Woo Framework plugin.

Conclusion

Removing meta generator tags from a WordPress site is a simple process that can be accomplished using the remove_action function or a plugin. By following the methods outlined in this article, you can protect your website from security threats and improve its performance.