Notifying only administrators about WordPress updates

By default, WordPress sends update notifications to all users with certain roles. This can clutter inboxes and confuse non‑technical users. On ruachost.com, you can configure WordPress to notify only administrators about updates, ensuring that technical staff handle them.

Why Restrict Update Notifications?

• Prevents unnecessary alerts for editors, authors, and contributors.

• Ensures only administrators are responsible for updates.

• Improves site security by keeping update management centralized.

Steps to Notify Only Administrators

1. Log in to WordPress with an administrator account.

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

3. Open the functions.php file of your active theme (or child theme).

4. Add the following code snippet:

   // Send update notifications only to administrators
   add_filter('auto_core_update_send_email', 'wp_admin_update_emails', 10, 2);
   function wp_admin_update_emails($send, $type) {
       if ($type == 'success' || $type == 'fail') {
           return true; // Send only to admins
       }
       return false; // Disable for other roles
   }
   

5. Click Update File to save changes.

6. WordPress will now send update notifications only to administrator accounts.

Important Notes

• Always back up your theme files before editing.

• Use a child theme to preserve changes during updates.

• Administrators should regularly check the dashboard for pending updates.

• Combine this with other security practices (automatic updates, monitoring plugins).