Want to disable the Screen Options button in WordPress? This feature lets users toggle elements on admin pages, but it can lead to accidental changes. As experienced WordPress developers, we've helped countless site owners streamline their admin area. Follow our step-by-step guide to hide it securely.
The Screen Options button sits in the top-right corner of WordPress admin pages, like the dashboard and post editor. It allows users to show or hide sections such as featured images or author fields.
For multi-author sites, this can be risky—authors might hide critical options unintentionally. Disabling it gives you full control over the admin interface for all users.
Let's explore two reliable methods to disable it effortlessly.
This user-friendly approach requires no coding. Install and activate the Adminimize plugin—see our detailed WordPress plugin installation guide for steps.
Head to Settings » Manage to access settings.
Click Global Options, then expand the tab again. Check the boxes next to 'Display Options' to hide Screen Options.
Apply to all users or specific roles, then hit Update Options. Test on dashboard or edit screens—the button will be gone.
Adminimize excels at customizing the admin area. Learn more in our guide on hiding elements with Adminimize.
Add this code to your theme's functions.php or a site-specific plugin. New to this? Check our code editing tutorial.
function wpb_remove_screen_options() {
if (! current_user_can('manage_options')) {
return false;
}
return true;
}
add_filter('screen_options_show_screen', 'wpb_remove_screen_options');This hides Screen Options for non-administrators. Switch users and verify—it's disappeared from admin pages.
These methods have streamlined admin areas for our clients reliably. Also explore our top WordPress tips and hacks.
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