How to Improve HTTP Response Header In WordPress

A text record information that a Web server transmits back to a client’s browser in response to receive an HTTP request. The HTTP response header includes file formate, size, and time that the server sends back to the client and data about the server itself. The header is attached to that file, returned to the client. In this article, we will discuss three methods.

Modify HTTP Response Header In WP Theme Source Code (header.php, function.php)

  1. Header.php

Install any WordPress theme editor if you don’t have a built-in function in your active Theme.

  • Click on Appearance — Theme Editor menu and select your WordPress Active Theme.
  • Select your WordPress website active Theme and select the header.php file.

header.php and function.php

 

Add the below code at the beginning of the header.php file before <!DOCTYPE html>. This code makes use of the PHP header function to create or set related header values.

<?php
unset($headers['Vary']);
header('Vary:Accept-Encoding', true);
?>
<!DOCTYPE html>
<html <?php language_attributes( 'html' ); ?>>
<head>

 

Note:- Some lines in source code already exist. In that case, you have to copy extra lines from the given code to avoid duplication and conflicts.

2. Function.php

Find the function.php (the method is same as you installed them editor and located header.php)

Place the below code in the function.php

function replace_wp_headers($headers) {
  $headers['Vary'] = 'Accept-Encoding';
  return $headers;
}
add_filter('wp_headers', replace_wp_headers);

Note: – You can edit these files using an FTP client like Filezilla or through cPanel file manager. Some lines in source code already exist. In that case, you have to copy extra lines from the given code to avoid duplications and conflicts. You have to go to your website’s root directory > wp-content > themes > your active theme.

Check out: How to Stop DDoS Attacks on your WordPress website

3 .htaccess file

This method is not at all times functional because plugins can modify headers value PHP source code. Anyways if you want to use this method in any case. Just copy the below code in your .htaccess file and save.

<IfModule mod_headers.c>
   Header unset Vary
   Header set Vary "Accept-Encoding"
</IfModule>

.htaccess

Note:- .htaccess file is located in the website’s root directory, which can be accessed by using FTP client or cPanel. Always check your website’s functionality after adding any source codes. In any case, you find your website is not responding, remove the code, and save the file. This is just because, in some cases, the source codes don’t work because of any active plugin or “maybe you added the code which is missing any syntax.”

Recent Posts

How to Improve Loading Speed Of Your Site

The loading speed of a site in today’s digital world is crucial in determining user experience, engagement, and overall website performance. Research shows that...

Analyze Keywords: Guide to Effective Keyword Research

The online triumph of a business is largely propelled by keywords. Analyzing them effectively is what brings the right content in front of the...

Why Choose Social Media Influencers for Brand Promotion?

In today’s digital landscape, social media influencers for brand promotion have become central to marketing strategies. Consumers are moving away from traditional advertising and...

User Generated Content For Brand Trust: How It Enhances Brand Loyalty

In today's digital era, consumers are seeking authenticity from brands more than ever. Traditional advertisements no longer hold the same weight as they once...

How To Choose The Right SEO For Your Small Business?

In today's digital landscape, having a robust online presence is crucial for small businesses. With the majority of consumers turning to search engines to...

On-page SEO Key Ranking Factors: A Complete Beginner’s Guide

If you're looking to improve your website’s visibility and rankings on search engines, understanding on-page SEO key ranking factors is essential. On-page SEO involves...

Website Speed Optimization: Tools and Techniques

Website speed optimization refers to the process of improving the load time of a website. A fast website ensures that users have a smooth...

More from Author

Read Now

Cybersecurity Jobs and Salaries: An In-Depth Look at 2025 Trends

As the digital world grows, so does the demand for cybersecurity professionals. From protecting personal data to securing large enterprise networks, cybersecurity plays a pivotal role in today’s business and technology landscape. With this increased demand, cybersecurity jobs and salaries have become a significant point of discussion...

How to Solve Discord Login Issues on Android, iPhone, Mac, and Windows (2025 Guide)

Discord is now among the best integrated communication platforms available for gaming, professionals and online communities. But problems with logging in can get annoying when you can’t get into your account. Whether you are experiencing “Invalid Login Credentials”, “New Login Location Detected,” or Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) issues, our complete...

How to Fix ‘iPhone is Disabled’ for iPhone 14, 15, and Late

Nothing is worse than trying to get into your iPhone, only to be greeted with the dreaded “iPhone is Disabled” message. This mistake happens after numerous incorrect passcode attempts, and — though it’s a security measure intended to fend off a thief who’s stolen your device — it can...