Adding code to your WordPress site’s header can be a tricky task, especially if you’re not familiar with coding. But don’t worry! Whether you need to add tracking scripts, verification codes, or custom styling, this step-by-step guide will show you how to do it easily. Let’s dive in and explore the simplest ways to add code to the header of your WordPress website.
Why Add Code to WordPress Header?
Are you trying to add a verification code from Google Search Console? Or maybe you want to add tracking scripts like Google Analytics or Facebook Pixel? These are some of the reasons why you may want to add code to header WordPress site. But there’s one problem: WordPress doesn’t make it easy to modify header files directly. So, how do you go about it?
Methods to Add Code to Header WordPress
There are two main methods to WordPress add code to header:
- Using a Plugin
- Adding Code Manually
Let’s go over each method in detail so you can decide which one suits you best.
Why You Might Need to Add Code to Header WordPress
Before we proceed, let’s discuss why you may need to do WordPress add header code:
- Verification Codes: Services like Google AdSense, Google Search Console, and Mailchimp often require you to verify your website.
- Tracking Scripts: Google Analytics, Facebook Pixel, and other marketing tools need to track user activity.
- Meta Tags: Adding custom meta tags can help improve your SEO by providing additional data to search engines.
Method # 1: Adding Code to Header Using a Plugin
This is the easiest and most beginner-friendly method. Let’s go through the process:
Step 1: Install the Plugin
- Go to your WordPress Dashboard, click on Plugins > Add New.
- Search for “Insert Headers and Footers by WPCode”.
- Click Install and then Activate.
Step 2: Navigate to the Plugin Settings
- After activation, go to Settings → Insert Headers and Footers.
Step 3: Paste the Code
- In the plugin settings, you will see two boxes labeled “Header” and “Footer”.
- Paste your code snippet into the “Header” box.
Step 4: Save Changes
- Click Save Changes, and your code will be added to the header of all pages on your site.

Recommended Plugin: WPCode – Insert Headers and Footers
The WPCode plugin is popular because it’s easy to use and doesn’t require any technical skills. Here are some of its features:
- User-friendly interface
- Allows adding multiple codes
- Prevents errors by isolating code snippets
Method # 2: Adding Code to Header Manually
For those who want more control, you can manually add code to the header. However, this requires a bit of coding knowledge. It’s essential to use a child theme to avoid losing your customizations when your theme updates.
Understanding Child Themes
A child theme inherits the styles and functionality of the parent theme but allows you to make changes without affecting the original files.
Why Use Child Themes for Editing?
Without a child theme, any changes you make will be overwritten the next time your theme gets an update. By using a child theme, your custom code remains safe.
Step-by-Step Guide to Manually Adding Code
Step 1: Create a Child Theme
- If you don’t already have a child theme, create one. There are plenty of guides online that can help you set this up.
Step 2: Open functions.php File
- Navigate to Appearance > Theme Editor and open the functions.php file in your child theme.
Step 3: Insert Code Using Action Hooks
Use the following code snippet to add your custom header code:
php
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/* This adds custom code to the WordPress header */
add_action('wp_head', 'custom_header_code');
function custom_header_code() {
?>
<!-- Paste your header code here -->
<?php
}
The code above allows you to insert any custom HTML, CSS, or script into the header. Just replace <!– Paste your header code here –> with your actual code.

Adding Code for Specific Pages Only
If you don’t want the code to appear on every page, you can use conditional tags.
Code Snippet for Homepage:
php
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add_action('wp_head', 'custom_homepage_header');
function custom_homepage_header() {
if (is_front_page()) { ?>
<!-- Your homepage-specific code here -->
<?php }
}
Code Snippet for Specific Posts or Pages:
php
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add_action('wp_head', 'custom_post_header');
function custom_post_header() {
if (is_single(123)) { ?>
<!-- Your code for a specific post here -->
<?php }
}
Replace 123 with the ID of the post or page.
Advantages of Using a Plugin Over Manual Method
Some of the benefits of using a plugin to add code to the header are:
- No coding knowledge is required.
- No need to worry about losing your code during theme updates.
- Reduces the risk of making errors in theme files.
Common Issues When Adding Code to Header
Here are two of the most frequent problems listed below:
- Code Not Displaying Correctly: Ensure that your code is correctly formatted.
- Theme Updates Overriding Changes: Always use a child theme for manual edits.
Precautions to Take While Adding Header Code
While adding code to the header you need to take the following precautions:
- Backup Your Site: Before making direct changes to your website, it is always recommended that you create a backup file to avoid losing your data.
- Staging: It should be common practice to make changes in the website copy to test the results before implementing them on the live site. This process allows you to easily check whether the changes are working properly or if there are any errors.
Tips for Beginners
If you’re new to adding code to your website’s header, keep the following tips in mind:
- Start with the plugin method if you’re not comfortable with coding.
- Always double-check your code for errors.
- Keep your code snippets organized with comments.
Conclusion
Adding code to your WordPress header doesn’t have to be complicated. By following this guide, you can easily enhance your website’s functionality, whether through the simple plugin method or by manually inserting code using a child theme. Whichever way you choose, make sure to backup your site and follow best practices to keep everything running smoothly.
FAQs
Q1. How do I know if the header code is working?
Ans. Check your website’s source code in the browser to see if the code appears in the header.
Q2. Can I add multiple codes to the header?
Ans. Yes, you can add as many code snippets as needed using either method.
Q3. Is it safe to edit the theme files directly?
Ans. It’s safer to use a child theme to prevent losing changes during theme updates.
Q4. What is the best plugin for WordPress add header code?
Ans. WPCode – Insert Headers and Footers is the most popular and beginner-friendly option.
Q5. Do I need coding knowledge to add code manually?
Ans. Basic understanding of PHP and WordPress is helpful but not mandatory if you follow a guide.