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 The Ultimate Guide to Optimizing WordPress Performance W3 Total Cache – Guide to WordPress Caching Using Stackable for WordPress How to Add Google Analytics to WordPress Using the Jetpack Newsletter Subscription Form From Newbie to WordCamp Organizer Benefits of Joining the WordPress Community Online How to Add Social Media Icons and Social Media Buttons to WordPress How to Globally Change the Font in WordPress Create a Footer for WordPress