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Post: Redirect New Registered Users to a Specific Page – WordPress
How to Redirect New Users to a Specific Page After Registration in WordPress
Redirecting new users after registration can streamline their onboarding experience—guiding them to a welcome page, a custom dashboard, or promotional content. Whether you prefer using a plugin or want to go code-only, this guide gives you both options.
✅ Method 1: Using a Plugin (Recommended for Non-Coders)
Step 1: Install “Peter’s Login Redirect” Plugin
-
In your WordPress admin dashboard, go to Plugins > Add New.
-
Search for Peter’s Login Redirect.
-
Click Install Now, then Activate the plugin.
Step 2: Configure User Redirection
-
Go to Settings > Login/logout Redirects.
-
Scroll to “Redirect Users by Role.”
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Under the Subscriber role (default for new users), enter the URL of the page you want to redirect to. Example:
-
Click Save Changes.
Step 3: Test It
-
Open an incognito/private browser window.
-
Register a new account on your site.
-
You should be redirected to the specified page after registration and login.
Pro Tip: If user registration is disabled, enable it under Settings > General > Membership > Anyone can register.
🧑💻 Method 2: Without a Plugin (Using Custom Code)
If you want full control or don’t want to rely on plugins, add this custom code to your theme’s functions.php
file or a site-specific plugin.
Step 1: Choose a Redirection Target
Decide where you want to send users. Example:
Step 2: Insert Code into functions.php
🔧 Sample Code:
🔍 Explanation:
-
registration_redirect
is a WordPress hook that fires immediately after a user registers. -
This code intercepts the default redirect and overrides it with your custom URL.
Step 3: Save and Upload
-
If editing via the WordPress dashboard, click Update File.
-
If using FTP or your hosting file manager, upload the updated
functions.php
file.
Step 4: Test the Flow
-
Open a private browser window.
-
Register as a new user.
-
Confirm that you land on your designated page post-registration.
⚠️ Important Considerations
-
Theme Updates: Custom code in
functions.php
can be lost when you update your theme. Use a child theme to avoid this. -
Only for Registration: This method doesn’t affect post-login behavior. To redirect after login, use the
login_redirect
filter. -
Site Stability: Always test code changes on a staging or development site before applying to live environments.
🆚 Plugin vs. Custom Code – Which Should You Use?
Criteria | Plugin | Custom Code |
---|---|---|
Ease of Use | ✅ Beginner-friendly | ❌ Requires PHP knowledge |
Flexibility | ⚠️ Limited to plugin settings | ✅ Full control |
Risk of Errors | ✅ Low | ⚠️ High if code is misused |
Performance Impact | ⚠️ Minor overhead | ✅ Lightweight |
Safe from Theme Updates | ✅ Plugin stays intact | ❌ Unless using a child theme |
Final Thoughts
Whether you use a plugin or write custom code, redirecting new users helps you shape the first impression and lead them toward valuable actions. For non-developers, plugins offer simplicity. For developers, code provides ultimate flexibility. Choose the path that best suits your comfort and control needs.
If you’d like help crafting a welcome page or a custom dashboard, I can help with that too—just ask.
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