Showing registered users on WordPress using PHP

WordPress stores all registered users in its database. You can display the total number of registered users on your site using a simple PHP function. On ruachost.com, this is often used to highlight site popularity or community size.

Why Show Registered Users?

• Demonstrates site growth and credibility.
• Encourages new visitors to register.
• Useful for membership sites, forums, or communities.

Steps to Display Registered Users

1. Log in to WordPress with an administrator account.

2. In the dashboard, go to Appearance → Theme Editor.

3. From the right‑hand column, select the file named functions.php.

4. Scroll to the bottom of the file and add the following code:

   // Function to return user count
   function wpb_user_count() {
       $usercount = count_users();
       $result = $usercount['total_users'];
       return $result;
   }
   
   // Creating a shortcode to display user count
   add_shortcode('user_count', 'wpb_user_count');

5. Click Update File to save changes.

⚙️ Using the Shortcode

• To display the total number of registered users anywhere on your site, type:

  [user_count]

✅ WordPress will automatically replace [user_count] with the total number of registered users.

Important Notes

• Always back up your site before editing theme files.
• Consider using a child theme to preserve changes during updates.
• This shortcode works in posts, pages, and widgets.