Jeff Starr

Does one thing: Completely disables the WordPress REST API for visitors who are not logged into WordPress. No configuration required.
Important: This plugin completely disables the WP REST API for visitors who are NOT logged in to WordPress. So not recommended if your site needs the WP REST API for any non-logged users.
👉 The fast, simple way to prevent abuse of your site’s REST/JSON API 
👉 Protects your site’s REST data from all non-logged users and bots 
👉 Uses only 4KB of code, so super lightweight, fast, and effective
🛠️ Pro version available! <a href="https://plugin-planet.com/rest-pro-tools/" rel="nofollow ugc">Check out REST Pro Tools »</a>
<h3>Features</h3>
<ul>
<li>Disable REST/JSON for visitors (not logged in)</li>
<li>Disables REST header in HTTP response for all users</li>
<li>Disables REST links in HTML head for all users</li>
<li>100% plug-and-play, set-it-and-forget solution</li>
</ul>
How does it work?
This plugin completely disables the WP REST API unless the user is logged into WordPress.
<ul>
<li>For logged-in (authenticated) users, WP REST API works normally</li>
<li>For logged-out (unauthenticated) users, WP REST API is disabled</li>
</ul>
What happens if logged-out visitor makes a JSON/REST request? They will get only a simple message:
<pre><code>rest_login_required: REST API restricted to authenticated users.
</code></pre>
This message may customized via the filter hook, <code>disable_wp_rest_api_error</code>. Check out <a href="https://wordpress.org/support/topic/not-entirely-for-non-techies/#post-12014965" rel="ugc">this post</a> for an example of how to do it.
<h3>Pro Version</h3>
🛠️ Check out the Pro version, <a href="https://plugin-planet.com/rest-pro-tools/" rel="nofollow ugc">REST Pro Tools</a>, loaded with many awesome features:
<ul>
<li>One-click disable all routes</li>
<li>One-click disable all /users routes</li>
<li>Disable any specific user routes based on role</li>
<li>Whitelist any user IDs</li>
<li>Whitelist any IP addresses</li>
<li>Customize the REST error message</li>
<li>Customize the REST response code</li>
<li>Always require or force SSL/TLS</li>
<li>Disable all JSONP shenanigans</li>
<li>One-click disable any REST API headers</li>
<li>Add any post meta (custom field) to REST API</li>
<li>Add any user meta (custom field) to REST API</li>
<li>Add routes for site profile and author profile</li>
<li>Add routes for featured images and post categories</li>
<li>Add routes for post taxonomies and terms</li>
<li>At-a-glance check status of REST API</li>
</ul>
The free version does only one thing: disables REST API for unauthenticated users. The PRO version can do that and much more! Take full control of the REST API with <a href="https://plugin-planet.com/rest-pro-tools/" rel="nofollow ugc">REST Pro Tools »</a>
<h3>Privacy</h3>
This plugin does not collect or store any user data. It does not set any cookies, and it does not connect to any third-party locations. Thus, this plugin does not affect user privacy in any way. If anything it improves user privacy, as it protects potentially sensitive information from being displayed/accessed via REST API.
Disable WP REST API is developed and maintained by <a href="https://x.com/perishable" rel="nofollow ugc">Jeff Starr</a>, 15-year <a href="https://plugin-planet.com/" rel="nofollow ugc">WordPress developer</a> and <a href="https://books.perishablepress.com/" rel="nofollow ugc">book author</a>.
<h3>Support development of this plugin</h3>
I develop and maintain this free plugin with love for the WordPress community. To show support, you can <a href="https://monzillamedia.com/donate.html" rel="nofollow ugc">make a donation</a> or purchase one of my books:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://wp-tao.com/" rel="nofollow ugc">The Tao of WordPress</a></li>
<li><a href="https://digwp.com/" rel="nofollow ugc">Digging into WordPress</a></li>
<li><a href="https://htaccessbook.com/" rel="nofollow ugc">.htaccess made easy</a></li>
<li><a href="https://wp-tao.com/wordpress-themes-book/" rel="nofollow ugc">WordPress Themes In Depth</a></li>
<li><a href="https://books.perishablepress.com/downloads/wizards-collection-sql-recipes-wordpress/" rel="nofollow ugc">Wizard’s SQL Recipes for WordPress</a></li>
</ul>
And/or purchase one of my premium WordPress plugins:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://plugin-planet.com/bbq-pro/" rel="nofollow ugc">BBQ Pro</a> – Blazing fast WordPress firewall</li>
<li><a href="https://plugin-planet.com/blackhole-pro/" rel="nofollow ugc">Blackhole Pro</a> – Automatically block bad bots</li>
<li><a href="https://plugin-planet.com/banhammer-pro/" rel="nofollow ugc">Banhammer Pro</a> – Monitor traffic and ban the bad guys</li>
<li><a href="https://plugin-planet.com/ga-google-analytics-pro/" rel="nofollow ugc">GA Google Analytics Pro</a> – Connect WordPress to Google Analytics</li>
<li><a href="https://plugin-planet.com/head-meta-pro/" rel="nofollow ugc">Head Meta Pro</a> – Ultimate Meta Tags for WordPress</li>
<li><a href="https://plugin-planet.com/rest-pro-tools/" rel="nofollow ugc">REST Pro Tools</a> – Awesome tools for managing the WP REST API</li>
<li><a href="https://plugin-planet.com/simple-ajax-chat-pro/" rel="nofollow ugc">Simple Ajax Chat Pro</a> – Unlimited chat rooms</li>
<li><a href="https://plugin-planet.com/usp-pro/" rel="nofollow ugc">USP Pro</a> – Unlimited front-end forms</li>
</ul>
Links, tweets and likes also appreciated. Thank you! 🙂

Disable WP REST API

while the plugin si deadsimple and very low resource impact, keep in mind that there are plugins that need the rest to work with no auth (ex. contact form 7).

dead simple and efficient, but be aware

Disables the WP REST API for visitors not logged into WordPress.

Jordy Meow

Code Engine is a snippets manager that doesn’t stop at snippets. Yes, it runs your PHP and JavaScript exactly where and when you want — frontend, backend, on a schedule, or inside your content. But its real magic is what happens after you write a function: the same little piece of code instantly becomes a tool your AI chatbots can call, a step you can drag into a visual workflow, and an endpoint the outside world can trigger. One function, three superpowers.
Most “code snippets” plugins stop at a textarea and a toggle. Code Engine treats your functions as first-class building blocks for the whole Meow Apps ecosystem — and for anything that can speak REST. Think out of the box, let your creativity flow, because the possibilities really are endless! ✨
For more, check the <a href="https://meowapps.com/code-engine/" rel="nofollow ugc">official website</a> and come say hi on <a href="https://discord.gg/bHDGh38" rel="nofollow ugc">the Discord</a>.
<h3>Quick Intro</h3>
Hello! ☀️ I built Code Engine because I was tired of pasting mystery snippets into <code>functions.php</code> and praying. I wanted a place where small bits of code are organized, safe, AI-assisted — and reusable everywhere.
Here’s the idea. You write a function (or let the AI write it for you from a plain-English description). That function immediately shows up in three places:
<ul>
<li>AI Engine — your chatbots and MCP clients (Claude, ChatGPT, Claude Code) can call it as a tool, with real arguments. Ask “how many orders shipped today?” and your chatbot runs your function to answer.</li>
<li>Workflow Engine — your function appears in the step picker as its very own block. Drag it onto the canvas, wire it between an AI step and a Slack step, done. No glue code.</li>
<li>REST / External tools — give it a secure endpoint and a token, then trigger it from Make.com, n8n, Zapier, a cron job, or a webhook.</li>
</ul>
You never wrote an “integration.” You just wrote a function. Code Engine did the rest. 🤝
<h3>Core Modules</h3>
🧩 Snippets Manager 
Backend, Frontend, Persistent, Scheduled, Functions, and in-content (PHP/JS) snippets — all in one clean dashboard with tags, search, scope filters, and priorities.
🪄 AI-Assisted Coding 
Describe what you want in plain English and let AI Engine write the snippet — code, name, arguments, and scope included. Refine existing code or implement it straight from your comments.
🤖 Functions as AI Tools 
Every Function snippet becomes a function-calling tool and an MCP tool, so your AI Engine chatbots (and external AI agents) can actually do things on your site, not just talk.
🔀 Functions as Workflow Steps 
Workflow Engine surfaces each of your functions as its own draggable step. Your custom logic becomes a first-class citizen on the automation canvas.
🌐 External Access (REST) 
Expose any runnable snippet through a secured REST endpoint with a bearer token. Perfect for Make.com, n8n, webhooks, and scheduled external jobs.
🛡️ Safe Mode 
A snippet that throws a fatal error is automatically caught and disabled before it can take your site down. Code with confidence.
⏰ Scheduling 
Run a snippet daily at a chosen time via WP-Cron — reports, cleanups, syncs — without touching the server crontab.
🧱 Code Blocks & Shortcodes (Pro) 
Drop PHP or JS straight into a post or page with a Gutenberg block or the <code>[code-engine]</code> shortcode, with safety guards.
<h3>🧩 Snippets, the way they should be</h3>
Code Engine organizes your code by scope, so each snippet runs exactly where it belongs:
<ul>
<li>Persistent — runs everywhere (frontend + backend). Your everyday “add this to functions.php” code, but managed.</li>
<li>Frontend — runs only on the public site.</li>
<li>Backend — runs only in the admin.</li>
<li>Function — a named, callable function with typed arguments and defaults. This is the reusable building block (see below).</li>
<li>Scheduled — runs on a WP-Cron schedule, at the hour and minute you pick.</li>
<li>Content (PHP / JS) — runs inside a specific post or page, via a Gutenberg Code Block or the <code>[code-engine]</code> shortcode (Pro).</li>
</ul>
Everything is searchable, taggable, sortable by priority, and importable/exportable. The CodeMirror editor gives you proper syntax highlighting and keyboard shortcuts (<code>Cmd+S</code> to save, <code>Cmd+Enter</code> to run). A <code>nikic/php-parser</code> pass validates your PHP before it ever runs.
<h3>🪄 Let AI write it for you</h3>
Don’t feel like writing the boilerplate? Describe the snippet in plain language and Code Engine — powered by <a href="https://wordpress.org/plugins/ai-engine/" rel="ugc">AI Engine</a> — generates the whole thing: the code, a sensible name, a description, the right scope, and, for functions, the argument list with names, types, and defaults.
Already have code? Ask the AI to modify it from a prompt, or write a few comments describing what you want and let it fill in the implementation. It’s pair programming, right inside your dashboard.
<h3>✨ The big idea: write once, use everywhere</h3>
This is what makes Code Engine different. A Function snippet is not just code you call from other code — it’s a reusable capability that the rest of your stack can plug into. The moment you save it, the same function is available in three places at once:
1. As an AI tool — for chatbots and AI agents 
With <a href="https://wordpress.org/plugins/ai-engine/" rel="ugc">AI Engine</a> active, your functions are exposed through function calling and over MCP (Model Context Protocol). Your on-site chatbot can run them mid-conversation, and external AI agents — Claude, Claude Code, ChatGPT, OpenClaw — can call them too. Want a chatbot that checks stock, looks up a booking, or kicks off a process? Write the function; the chatbot gains the skill.
2. As a workflow step — for automation 
With <a href="https://meowapps.com/workflow-engine/" rel="nofollow ugc">Workflow Engine</a>, every active function shows up in the Add-step picker as its own block, named after your snippet, with one input per argument. Drag it onto the canvas and wire it between other steps — an AI step that summarizes, your function that saves, a Social Engine step that posts. There’s also a generic “Execute snippet (by ID / by name)” step when you want to call one dynamically. You never write integration code; your function is the integration.
3. As a REST endpoint — for the outside world 
Give a snippet a custom endpoint name and a bearer token, and it’s instantly callable from anywhere:
<pre><code>POST /wp-json/code-engine/v1/snippets-endpoint/your-endpoint
</code></pre>
Pass arguments as JSON in the body, secure it with a token, and trigger it from Make.com, n8n, Zapier, GitHub Actions, or a humble cron job. Automation without a middleware bill.
<h3>🛡️ Safe by default</h3>
Running arbitrary code is powerful, so Code Engine takes safety seriously:
<ul>
<li>Safe Mode catches fatal errors and auto-disables the offending snippet, so a typo never white-screens your site.</li>
<li>REST whitelisting means global snippets only run on trusted REST routes by default — you choose what to open up.</li>
<li>Per-snippet tokens secure your external endpoints.</li>
<li>Validation with a real PHP parser before code is saved.</li>
</ul>
For developers who want fewer guardrails, there’s a “Bypass REST Security” option and filters (<code>mwcode_rest_authorized</code>, <code>mwcode_rest_whitelist</code>) to tailor exactly what’s allowed.
<h3>Works beautifully with the Meow Apps family</h3>
Code Engine is one engine in a connected set — each one useful alone, magical together:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://wordpress.org/plugins/ai-engine/" rel="ugc">AI Engine</a> — chatbots, content generation, and MCP. Turns your functions into AI tools.</li>
<li><a href="https://meowapps.com/workflow-engine/" rel="nofollow ugc">Workflow Engine</a> — visual automation. Turns your functions into draggable steps.</li>
<li><a href="https://wordpress.org/plugins/seo-engine/" rel="ugc">SEO Engine</a> — smart, lightweight AI SEO.</li>
<li><a href="https://wordpress.org/plugins/social-engine/" rel="ugc">Social Engine</a> — schedule and automate social posts.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Why Code Engine?</h3>
Reusable, not throwaway 
Other snippet plugins give you a place to paste code. Code Engine gives you a place to build capabilities that your AI, your workflows, and your external tools can all use.
Native to WordPress 
Clean, fast, and built the WordPress way — no clunky external dashboards, no bloat.
AI-native 
Write snippets with AI, expose them to AI. The whole loop lives in your wp-admin.
Developer friendly 
REST API, MCP tools, function calling, scheduling, import/export, and plenty of filters to hook into.
Cared for 
Part of the Meow Apps family, with regular updates and a real human behind it. 💕

Code Engine – PHP Snippets, AI Functions & Automation for WordPress


The Code Engine plugin is an incredibly useful tool for anyone looking to enhance their WordPress site. Its ability to manage PHP snippets in an intuitive way makes it easy to extend site functionality without much hassle. The integration with AI is a standout feature, especially when paired with the developer’s other plugin, The AI Engine, which I also recommend.



The REST API support opens up automation possibilities that are simple to set up yet powerful in their impact. I’ve used it successfully with tools like Make.com to streamline workflows and save time.



Overall, this plugin is a great choice for developers or anyone looking to blend automation, AI, and dynamic functionality into their WordPress site. A solid addition to any toolkit.


Excellent Plugin for Developers and AI Integration

Manage PHP & JS snippets the clean way — then turn any function into an AI tool, a workflow step, or a REST endpoint. Write once, use everywhere. 🤟

Disable WP REST API vs Code Engine – PHP Snippets, AI Functions & Automation for WordPress