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Troubleshooting jQuery Not Working in Code Snippets

23 threads Sep 10, 2025 Plugin → Code snippets

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Adding custom jQuery to your WordPress site with the Code Snippets plugin is a powerful way to add interactive features. However, a common issue users encounter is that their jQuery code doesn't execute as expected. This guide will explain the most common reasons for this problem and provide step-by-step solutions to get your code working.

Why Your jQuery Code Might Not Be Working

Based on common support threads, jQuery failures in Code Snippets typically occur for a few key reasons:

  • jQuery is not properly enqueued: WordPress does not automatically load jQuery on the frontend. Your snippet must explicitly tell WordPress to load it.
  • Using the $ shortcut incorrectly: WordPress runs jQuery in noConflict mode, meaning the standard $ shortcut may not be available, causing an "Uncaught ReferenceError: $ is not defined" error.
  • Code execution timing: Your jQuery code might be trying to manipulate page elements before they have finished loading in the browser.
  • Syntax errors: A small typo or missing character can prevent the entire script from running.

Solution 1: Properly Enqueue jQuery

The most critical step is ensuring the jQuery library is loaded before your custom script tries to use it. You must use WordPress's wp_enqueue_scripts hook to load it correctly.

add_action( 'wp_enqueue_scripts', function () {
    wp_enqueue_script( 'jquery' );
} );

Solution 2: Use the Correct jQuery Reference

To avoid conflicts with other libraries, use the full jQuery keyword instead of the $ shortcut, or wrap your code to safely use the $ alias.

Option A: Use the 'jQuery' keyword

jQuery(document).ready(function() {
    jQuery("#my-element").hide();
});

Option B: Safely use the $ alias (Recommended)

jQuery(document).ready(function($) {
    // Now you can use $ inside this function
    $("#my-element").hide();
});

Solution 3: Wrap Your Code in the Ready Function and Correct Hook

Your jQuery code should be placed inside a document.ready function to ensure the DOM is fully loaded before it executes. This entire block should then be wrapped in a PHP function hooked to wp_head or wp_footer.

add_action( 'wp_head', function () { ?>
<script>
jQuery(document).ready(function($) {
    // Your jQuery code goes here
    $('a.samplebutton').text("DEF");
});
</script>
<?php } );

// Also remember to enqueue jQuery!
add_action( 'wp_enqueue_scripts', function () {
    wp_enqueue_script( 'jquery' );
} );

Solution 4: Check for JavaScript Errors

Use your browser's developer tools (F12) to check the Console tab for any error messages. An error in one snippet can sometimes prevent subsequent snippets from running. Fix any syntax errors like missing parentheses, brackets, or quotes that are reported in the console.

Complete Working Example

Here is a complete, functional example of a snippet that changes text on a button when the window is resized to a specific size, combining all the solutions above.

// Enqueue jQuery
add_action( 'wp_enqueue_scripts', function () {
    wp_enqueue_script( 'jquery' );
} );

// Add the jQuery and CSS code to the site's head
add_action( 'wp_head', function () { ?>
<script>
jQuery(document).ready(function($) {
    // Function to check window size and update text
    function checkSize() {
        if ($(window).width() >= 700 && $(window).width() <= 1000) {        
            $('a.samplebutton').text("DEF"); 
        }
    }
    
    // Run on load and on resize
    checkSize();
    $(window).resize(checkSize);
});
</script>
<?php } );

By following these steps, you should be able to resolve most issues with jQuery not working in your Code Snippets. Always remember to enqueue jQuery, use the correct syntax for WordPress, and ensure your code is error-free.

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