How to use get_search_query filter in WordPress

get_search_query filter

Filters the contents of the search query variable.

To use the get_search_query filter, first you have to register it using add_filter. You can write this code into functions.php of your activated theme or in a custom WordPress Plugin.

At WePlugins, we always prefer to create a custom WordPress Plugin while using hooks so nothing breaks when you update your WordPress Theme in the future.

In the below live example, we have defined a function weplugins_modify_get_search_query_defaults which takes 1 parameter and we registered using add_filter. The first parameter get_search_query is the name of the hook, the second parameter weplugins_modify_get_search_query_defaults is the name of the function which needs to be called, the third parameter is the priority of calling the hook if the same hook is used multiple times and the last parameter is the number of arguments (if any) to be passed in the registered function.

Sometimes, you have to remove a registered hook, so you can use remove_filter to remove get_search_query filter.

Parameters

Below the 1 parameter is required to use this hook.

• $search : (mixed) Contents of the search query variable.

Live Example 1

Below is an example of how you can use this hook.

    function weplugins_modify_get_search_query_defaults($search) { 
        // Update the $search variable according to your website requirements and return this variable.
        // You can modify the $search variable conditionally too if you want.
        return $search; 
    }
    // add the filter
    add_filter( "get_search_query", "weplugins_modify_get_search_query_defaults", 10, 1 );
    

Live Example 2

To remove a hook callback, use the example below.

    remove_filter( "get_search_query", "weplugins_modify_get_search_query_defaults", 10, 1 );
    

Please make sure to provide the same callback function name, priority, and number of arguments while removing the hook callback.

Live Example 3

Another example could involve modifying the search query conditionally based on user roles.

    function weplugins_modify_get_search_query_conditional($search) { 
        if (current_user_can('administrator')) {
            $search .= ' admin';
        }
        return $search; 
    }
    // add the filter
    add_filter( "get_search_query", "weplugins_modify_get_search_query_conditional", 10, 1 );
    

Contact Us

If you’re having any trouble using this hook or need customization, please Contact Us and we’d be happy to assist you.