Are you looking to remove Hotjar from your WordPress website? Perhaps you're concerned about privacy, want to switch analytics platforms, or simply no longer need its features. This guide provides a straightforward method to completely uninstall Hotjar and clean up any lingering traces.
Understanding Hotjar's Presence on Your WordPress Site
Before diving into the removal process, it's crucial to understand how Hotjar integrates with your website. Hotjar typically uses a snippet of JavaScript code placed within your WordPress theme or a plugin. This code is responsible for tracking user behavior and recording sessions. Removing Hotjar involves locating and deleting this code snippet.
Locating the Hotjar Code Snippet
There are two primary places where the Hotjar code snippet might reside:
- Your Theme's
header.phpfile: This is the most common location. The code is usually inserted within the<head>section of your theme'sheader.phpfile. - A Plugin: If you installed Hotjar via a plugin, the code will be managed within that plugin's files.
Warning: Directly editing theme files can be risky. If you're not comfortable editing code, consider backing up your website or seeking assistance from a developer.
Step-by-Step Guide to Removing Hotjar from WordPress
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Deactivate the Hotjar Plugin (If Applicable): If you added Hotjar through a plugin (like a plugin specifically designed for Hotjar integration), start by deactivating the plugin via your WordPress dashboard. This won't entirely remove Hotjar, but it disables its functionality. Then, uninstall the plugin.
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Access Your Theme's
header.phpFile: Through your FTP client or your hosting provider's file manager, navigate to your WordPress theme's directory. Locate theheader.phpfile and download a copy to your computer for backup purposes. This is crucial in case you make a mistake. -
Identify and Remove the Hotjar Code: Open the
header.phpfile with a text editor (like Notepad++, Sublime Text, or VS Code). Search for "Hotjar" or snippets of code that look like this (this is just an example, and your code might look slightly different):<!-- Hotjar Tracking Code for [your site ID] --> <script> // ... Hotjar code ... </script> -
Delete the Hotjar Code Snippet: Once you've located the Hotjar code, carefully delete it entirely. Save the changes to the
header.phpfile and upload it back to your WordPress theme's directory, overwriting the old file. -
Clear Your Website's Cache: After removing the Hotjar code, clear your website's cache. This ensures that the changes are reflected immediately. Most caching plugins have a "purge cache" option. If you use a content delivery network (CDN), clear the CDN cache as well.
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Verify Removal: Visit your website to confirm that Hotjar is no longer active. You can check using your browser's developer tools (usually accessed by pressing F12) to ensure the Hotjar script is not loaded.
Additional Considerations
- Data Privacy: If you're concerned about data privacy, remember to check Hotjar's documentation on data deletion and request the deletion of any data they hold about your website's visitors.
- Alternative Analytics: Consider replacing Hotjar with another analytics platform. There are numerous alternatives available, each with its own features and strengths. Research thoroughly before switching to ensure you choose a suitable replacement.
By following these steps, you can effectively remove Hotjar from your WordPress site and maintain control over your website's data and functionality. Remember to always back up your files before making any changes.
