How to Display Different Content for Logged-In Users in WordPress

Sometimes you may want to show certain content only to logged-in users—such as premium resources, downloads, or member-only messages—while showing alternative content to visitors. WordPress makes this possible with simple conditional checks in your theme, page templates, or shortcodes.

Method 1: Using is_user_logged_in() in Templates

The is_user_logged_in() function checks if a visitor is logged in. You can use it in your theme files (e.g., page.php, single.php, or custom templates).

<?php if ( is_user_logged_in() ) : ?>
    <p>Welcome back! Here is your exclusive content.</p>
<?php else : ?>
    <p>Please <a href="<?php echo wp_login_url(); ?>">log in</a> to view this content.</p>
<?php endif; ?>

This will display one message to logged-in users and another to visitors.

Method 2: Creating a Shortcode

You can also create a shortcode to conditionally display content in posts, pages, or widgets.

// Shortcode: [member_content]Protected content[/member_content]
function my_member_content_shortcode( $atts, $content = null ) {
    if ( is_user_logged_in() ) {
        return do_shortcode( $content );
    } else {
        return '<p>You must <a href="' . wp_login_url() . '">log in</a> to see this content.</p>';
    }
}
add_shortcode( 'member_content', 'my_member_content_shortcode' );

Usage example inside a post or page:

[member_content]
This text is visible only to logged-in users.
[/member_content]

Method 3: Show/Hide Widgets for Logged-In Users

If you want widgets to behave differently, you can wrap them in a conditional check or use plugins like Widget Logic or Content Visibility for Blocks. With is_user_logged_in(), you can control widget output like this:

<?php if ( is_user_logged_in() ) : ?>
    <div class="widget">Exclusive member widget content</div>
<?php endif; ?>

Method 4: Restrict Content by User Role

Sometimes you don’t just want to restrict content to logged-in users, but also by role (e.g., only administrators or subscribers). Use current_user_can():

<?php if ( current_user_can('administrator') ) : ?>
    <p>This content is visible only to administrators.</p>
<?php endif; ?>

Summary

1. Use is_user_logged_in() in templates to display different content for members and visitors.
2. Create a shortcode for flexible use inside posts and pages.
3. Show or hide widgets based on login status with conditionals or plugins.
4. For more control, use current_user_can() to restrict by user role.

By using these techniques, you can create member-only areas, premium downloads, or personalized messages for logged-in users, while still providing alternative content for visitors.

🎨 Want to learn more? Visit our WordPress Customization Hub for tips and advanced techniques.