# Excluding WordPress pages from site search using PHP

> Stop pages from appearing in your WordPress site search results so searches return only posts, using a PHP function.

Source: https://helpcenter.ruachost.com/wordpress/guides/excluding-wordpress-pages-from-search-engine-results-using-php/

By default, WordPress includes both posts and pages in its search results. However, certain pages (like checkout, thank‑you, or profile pages) should not appear in search results. On **ruachost.com**, you can exclude pages from WordPress search using a simple PHP function.

## Why Exclude Pages?

- Prevents cluttered or irrelevant search results.
- Improves user experience by showing only blog posts.
- Keeps private or utility pages hidden from site search.

## Steps to Exclude Pages via PHP

1. **Log in to WordPress** with an administrator account.
2. In the dashboard, go to **Appearance → Theme Editor**.
3. Select your active theme and open the **functions.php** file.
4. Add the following code snippet:

   ```
   // Exclude pages from WordPress search results
   function exclude_pages_from_search($query) {
       if ($query->is_search && !is_admin()) {
           $query->set('post_type', 'post');
       }
       return $query;
   }
   add_filter('pre_get_posts', 'exclude_pages_from_search');
   ```
5. Click **Update File** to save changes.
6. Test your site’s search → Only posts will appear, pages are excluded.

## Important Notes

- Always back up your theme files before editing.
- Use a **child theme** to preserve changes during updates.
- This method excludes **all pages** from search.
- If you want to exclude only specific pages, use plugins like **Search Exclude** instead.