How to Use Shortcodes in a WordPress Text Widget Updated on March 22, 2024 by Brad Markle 0 Minutes, 37 Seconds to Read By default, WordPress shortcodes do not work within Text widgets. If you need this functionality, it is quite easy to accomplish, simply follow the steps below. Using Shortcodes in a WordPress Text Widget Log into your WordPress Dashboard Under “Appearance” click “Editor” In the list of files on the right of the page, click “functions.php” At the bottom of the functions.php file, add the following code: add_filter( ‘widget_text’, ‘shortcode_unautop’); add_filter( ‘widget_text’, ‘do_shortcode’); Click “Update File” and your shortcodes should now work in your Text widgets! Before: After: Changes made to these files may get overwritten after theme updates. It is always recommended to make these kinds of modifications in a child theme. Looking for more guides? We have over 400 WordPress How To Articles to help you! Share this Article Related Articles Intro to Migrating your WordPress Site Data Migrating your WordPress Database Migrating WordPress Files Configuring WordPress After a Migration Testing your WordPress website after Migration How to Move WordPress from a Subfolder to the Root Directory Move Your WordPress Site to a New Server Moving Websites Built with Older Technology into WordPress How to Export Your WordPress Sites How to Migrate Followers from a WordPress.com Site