How to properly use remove_action in WordPress

WordPress is a highly extensible system thanks to its hooks (actions and filters). One of the most common issues when working with actions is the incorrect implementation of the remove_action function, which may fail if not used at the right time. In this article, you’ll learn what remove_action is, how it works, and how to avoid common mistakes.

What is remove_action in WordPress?

The remove_action function is used to remove an action previously added with add_action. Its structure is:

bool remove_action( string $hook, callable $callback, int $priority = 10 )

• $hook: The name of the hook where the action was added.
• $callback: The function you want to remove.
• $priority (optional): The priority at which the action was added (default is 10).

It returns true if the action is successfully removed, or false if it fails.

Basic example of usage

Suppose a theme adds an action to customize your site’s header:

<?php
add_action( 'wp_head', 'custom_header' );  
function custom_header() {  
    echo '<meta name="custom-header" content="Added by theme">';  
}  

If you want to remove this action from a plugin or child theme, you can do so with:

<?php
remove_action( 'wp_head', 'custom_header' );

However, this code might not work if it doesn’t run at the correct time, which brings us to the next section.

Common mistakes when using remove_action

One of the most frequent issues occurs when remove_action is executed:

1. Too Early: The action has not yet been added.
2. Too Late: The action has already been executed.

Problem 1: Executing remove_actiontoo early

This happens when remove_action is called before the add_action registers the action in the system.

How to fix It:

Make sure remove_action is executed after the action is added. You can achieve this by using the same hook with a lower priority.

Example:

<?php
add_action( 'after_setup_theme', 'remove_custom_header', 20 );  
function remove_custom_header() {  
    remove_action( 'wp_head', 'custom_header' );  
}

In this case, remove_custom_header will run after the theme has added custom_header to wp_head.

Problem 2: Executing remove_action too late

This happens when remove_action is executed after the hook has already been triggered. For example, if you try to remove an action from wp_head after it has been processed, it will be ineffective.

How to fix it:

Check WordPress’s hook order to ensure remove_action runs before the hook is executed.

Example:

<?php
add_action( 'init', 'remove_custom_header_init' );  
function remove_custom_header_init() {  
    remove_action( 'wp_head', 'custom_header' );  
}

Final recommendations

1. Use Priorities Strategically:
   • When using add_action or remove_action, explicitly specify the priority to avoid conflicts.
2. Check Hook Order:
   • Use tools like the Query Monitor plugin to inspect which actions and filters are being executed, and in what order.
3. Use Conditionals If Needed:
   • If you need to remove an action on specific pages, use conditionals like is_page() or  is_singular().

   <?php
   add_action( 'wp', 'conditionally_remove_custom_header' );  
   function conditionally_remove_custom_header() {  
       if ( is_page( 'about-us' ) ) {  
           remove_action( 'wp_head', 'custom_header' );  
       }  
   }
   

    

4. Avoid Removing Critical Actions:
   • Before removing an action, ensure it won’t affect the site’s core functionality.

With these tips, you’ll be able to use remove_action effectively, avoid errors, and keep your WordPress site’s functionality under control. If you need additional help, feel free to reach out! 😊