# Adding user registration verification for WordPress

> Make new WordPress users confirm their email address before their account is active, using a plugin or custom code.

Source: https://helpcenter.ruachost.com/wordpress/guides/adding-user-registration-verification-for-wordpress/

By default, WordPress allows new users to register immediately after filling out the registration form. To prevent spam accounts and ensure authenticity, you can add **email verification** so that users must confirm their email address before accessing your site. On **ruachost.com**, this can be done using plugins or custom code.

## Why Add Registration Verification?

- Prevents spam and fake accounts.
- Ensures only valid email addresses are used.
- Improves site security and user trust.
- Helps maintain a clean user database.

## Method 1: Using a Plugin (Recommended)

1. **Log in to WordPress** as administrator.
2. Go to **Plugins → Add New**.
3. Search for **User Verification** or **WP Email Verification**.
4. Click **Install Now**, then **Activate**.
5. In the dashboard, go to **Settings → User Verification**.
6. Configure options:

   - Enable **email verification** for new registrations.
   - Customize the **verification email template**.
   - Set the **redirect page** after successful verification.
7. Save changes.

✅ New users will now receive a verification email with a link they must click before logging in.

## Method 2: Custom Code (Advanced)

If you prefer not to use a plugin, you can add verification manually:

1. Hook into the `user_register` action in your theme’s `functions.php`.
2. Generate a unique verification token and send it via email.
3. Store the token in user meta data.
4. Create a verification page that checks the token and activates the account.

Example snippet (simplified):

```
function send_verification_email($user_id) {
    $user = get_userdata($user_id);
    $token = wp_generate_password(20, false);
    update_user_meta($user_id, 'email_verified', 0);
    update_user_meta($user_id, 'verification_token', $token);

    $verification_link = site_url("/verify?token=$token&user=$user_id");
    wp_mail($user->user_email, "Verify Your Account", "Click here: $verification_link");
}
add_action('user_register', 'send_verification_email');
```

## Important Notes

- Always back up your site before adding custom code.
- Test verification emails to ensure they are delivered (check spam folder).
- Use SMTP plugins (like WP Mail SMTP) for reliable email delivery.
- Consider adding CAPTCHA to further reduce spam registrations.