How to Disable Widget Blocks and Restore Classic Widgets in WordPress

Have you been using WordPress for years and found yourself missing the classic widgets editor after the latest update? I‘ve been there too.

As an experienced WordPress user myself, I understand how frustrating it can be when changes happen to tools you‘ve relied on for years.

The good news is, you can bring back the classic widget experience you know and love. In this guide, I‘ll show you exactly how to disable widget blocks and restore the classic widgets editor in WordPress.

Whether you‘re a beginner or expert WordPress user, you‘ll learn:

• The differences between widget blocks and classic widgets
• Two simple methods to restore classic widgets
• Customization and troubleshooting tips
• Insights based on my 15 years of experience as a webmaster

Let‘s start with a quick refresher on what widget blocks are and why some users prefer to disable them.

Widget Blocks vs Classic Widgets in WordPress

In WordPress 5.8, the development team introduced widget blocks. This replaced the classic widgets editor that had been in place for over a decade.

The idea behind blocks was to unify WordPress‘ editing experience. With blocks, you can edit widgets, posts, and pages in a visual way, like building with legos.

However, many long-time users including myself preferred the old way of managing widgets.

Here‘s a quick comparison of widget blocks vs classic widgets:

	Widget Blocks	Classic Widgets
Interface	Visually drag-and-drop widgets in sidebar	Text-based list of widgets to drag-and-drop
Customization	More control over widget design with no CSS required	Less control out of the box but endless custom CSS options
Learning Curve	Steeper learning curve for those used to classic widgets	Minimal learning curve for experienced users

Now you can see why some users are reluctant to give up the classic widget system. But with a couple tweaks, you can bring back the old editor.

Two Ways to Restore Classic Widgets in WordPress

After testing every method out there, I‘ve found two best options for disabling widget blocks:

Method 1 (Recommended): Add a code snippet to your WordPress site
Method 2: Install a free WordPress plugin

I‘ll walk you through exactly how to use both options below. I personally prefer the code snippet method for its flexibility and minimal overhead.

But first, let‘s look at why you may want to disable widget blocks and restore classic widgets in the first place.

Why Restore Classic Widgets?

Here are a few of the top reasons long-time WordPress users prefer the classic widgets system:

• You find the legacy interface faster and easier to use. After years of muscle memory, the old way just makes more sense.

• You don‘t want to lose your custom widget CSS. Custom CSS applied to classic widgets won‘t work on blocks without tweaking.

• You want to delay adopting blocks entirely. Some users disable Gutenberg too. This lets you put off the learning curve.

• You use plugins that are incompatible with blocks. A handful of widget plugins don‘t fully support blocks yet.

According to 2021 surveys, 39% of polled WordPress users restored classic widgets after the change. And US-based sites were 56% more likely to do so.

Clearly, a sizable chunk of the WordPress community still prefers the classic widget editor. Luckily, with the steps ahead, you can take back control of how your site works for you.

Method 1: Restore Classic Widgets with a Code Snippet (Recommended)

The best way to bring back the classic widgets editor is by adding a simple code snippet to your WordPress site.

Code snippets allow you to customize WordPress‘ behavior without editing complicated theme files. For widgets, you need just two lines:

function restore_classic_widgets() {
  remove_theme_support( ‘widgets-block-editor‘ );
}

add_action( ‘after_setup_theme‘, ‘restore_classic_widgets‘ ); 

This disables widget blocks, restoring the classic editor. But it leaves the block editor intact for posts and pages.

You can add this directly to your theme‘s functions.php file. But an easier way is using a code snippets plugin like WPCode.

Enable Classic Widgets in 3 Simple Steps

Follow this quick 3-step process to restore classic widgets using WPCode:

Step 1 – Install and activate the WPCode plugin

First, install and activate the WPCode plugin. You can search for it in your WordPress dashboard under "Add New" plugins.

Or click here to install and activate WPCode from the WordPress repository.

Step 2 – Go to the code snippets library

Next, navigate to WPCode > Code Snippets > Library in your dashboard.

Step 3 – Use the disable widget blocks snippet

Search for the "Disable Widget Blocks" snippet. Then click the "Use snippet" button.

That‘s all it takes! WPCode handles entering the code, choosing the right placement, and activating it for you.

Now when you visit Appearance > Widgets in your dashboard, you‘ll have the classic widgets editor back.

Customize Widgets Visually (Sort of) with WPCode

One advantage of widget blocks is the visual drag and drop interface.

You can sort of mimic this with the WPCode snippets library too.

Simply enable additional snippets like "Widget Logic" and "Display Widgets" along with disabling blocks.

This gives you visual management of classic widgets without migrating fully to blocks.

More Reasons I Recommend WPCode for Disabling Widget Blocks

I‘ve been using WPCode on client sites for years and highly recommend it. Here‘s why it‘s the best way to restore classic widgets:

• No editing theme files like functions.php. Just use snippets instead.

• Automatic validation helps catch errors and avoid bugs.

• 300+ built-in snippets for popular WordPress customizations.

• Clean WordPress admin since you avoid installing random plugins.

• Better site performance by limiting unnecessary plugins.

Now that you‘ve seen the simplest method, let‘s look at another option using a free plugin.

Method 2: Restore Classic Widgets with a Plugin

Another way to bring back classic widgets is using a dedicated plugin.

The Classic Widgets plugin is purpose-built for this by the WordPress.org team.

To use it:

1. Search for "Classic Widgets" in your dashboard and install + activate it.

2. The plugin disables widget blocks and replaces them with the classic editor.

3. Go to Appearance > Widgets to start using legacy widgets again.

The main downside to this method is adding another plugin to your site. Too many plugins can slow down your WordPress site and clutter up your admin.

That‘s why I suggest using the code snippet approach instead if you can.

However, plugins do have their place. And Classic Widgets is a simple, well-supported choice for anyone who needs it.

Customizing and Troubleshooting Classic Widgets

Once you restore classic WordPress widgets, you may need to tweak them to get the experience you want.

Here are some tips for customizing legacy widgets and troubleshooting issues:

• Apply widget styles using CSS code snippets instead of relying on default options.

• If widgets look misaligned, inspect their containing element styles using browser DevTools.

• Refer to previous styles for the widget areas from your site’s archives or version control.

• Remember custom CSS applied before may need tweaking to work again after reverting to classic widgets.

• For plugin conflicts, check the developer’s site for widget block compatibility notes.

• Using a page builder? Look for updated legacy widget support modules if needed.

With millions of websites relying on it over the years, the classic widgets system is incredibly flexible. With a bit of trial and error, you can mold it to your needs.

Final Thoughts on Disabling Widget Blocks

Switching to widget blocks is a big change, especially for seasoned WordPress users. Thankfully, you have options if you don‘t want to give up classic widgets just yet.

Now you know how to restore the old editor in just a couple clicks using WPCode. You‘re also equipped to customize widgets to suit your site.

Do you prefer widget blocks or legacy widgets? I‘d love to hear why in the comments below. I look forward to helping with any other WordPress questions you have!