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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

  1. In your WordPress admin dashboard, go to Plugins > Add New.

  2. Search for Peter’s Login Redirect.

  3. Click Install Now, then Activate the plugin.

Step 2: Configure User Redirection

  1. Go to Settings > Login/logout Redirects.

  2. Scroll to “Redirect Users by Role.”

  3. Under the Subscriber role (default for new users), enter the URL of the page you want to redirect to. Example:

    https://yourdomain.com/welcome/
  4. Click Save Changes.

Step 3: Test It

  1. Open an incognito/private browser window.

  2. Register a new account on your site.

  3. 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:

https://yourdomain.com/welcome/

Step 2: Insert Code into functions.php

🔧 Sample Code:

Copy to Clipboard

🔍 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

  1. Open a private browser window.

  2. Register as a new user.

  3. 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.

About the Author: Bernard Aybout (Virii8)

I am a dedicated technology enthusiast with over 45 years of life experience, passionate about computers, AI, emerging technologies, and their real-world impact. As the founder of my personal blog, MiltonMarketing.com, I explore how AI, health tech, engineering, finance, and other advanced fields leverage innovation—not as a replacement for human expertise, but as a tool to enhance it. My focus is on bridging the gap between cutting-edge technology and practical applications, ensuring ethical, responsible, and transformative use across industries. MiltonMarketing.com is more than just a tech blog—it's a growing platform for expert insights. We welcome qualified writers and industry professionals from IT, AI, healthcare, engineering, HVAC, automotive, finance, and beyond to contribute their knowledge. If you have expertise to share in how AI and technology shape industries while complementing human skills, join us in driving meaningful conversations about the future of innovation. 🚀