Want to hide pages on your website from public view? Learn how to customize password protected pages in WordPress.
You might want to protect exclusive content, keep certain pages visible only to select user roles, or hide sections that are still being built.
WordPress does let you create a password protected page, but the default design looks plain and often breaks the flow of your site’s branding.
A custom password protected page lets you match colors, fonts, and layout with the rest of your site. It improves the user experience and makes restricted content feel like a natural part of your design.
In this article, you’ll learn how to make a page password protected in WordPress and edit it using code-free methods.
What is a Password Protected Page in WordPress?
A password protected page WordPress feature lets you hide specific content from public access. Only visitors with the correct password can unlock the page and view its contents.
Learning how to create password protected pages in WordPress helps you manage visibility without setting up full user accounts.
You can create a password protected page using the default function on WordPress or with a specialized plugin.
You can use a password protected page in several situations:
- Share premium content with select users.
- Limit access to draft pages or sections under construction.
- Offer downloads or files to a specific user role.
- Create private pages for clients or collaborators.
- Restrict access to internal documentation or processes.
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Why Customize Your Password Protected Page in WordPress?
While WordPress offers a quick way to password protect page WordPress, the default layout isn’t ideal.
It uses a simple, plain form with no branding or layout control. This breaks design consistency and creates a dull user experience.
Customizing the page lets you design a more cohesive and engaging interface.
Here’s why it helps to customize password protected page WordPress:
- Add your logo, fonts, and brand colors for design consistency.
- Create a custom message above or below the password form.
- Improve the layout and spacing using Elementor or CSS tweaks.
- Include additional elements like custom icons, social media buttons or a dropdown menu.
- Align the password-protected form design with the rest of your website.
- Deliver a professional look to those accessing exclusive content.
Default WordPress Password Protected Page Limitations
The default password protection feature in WordPress offers very limited design options.
It adds a basic password field with a submit button, but you can’t change the layout, font, or background color without code.
It also lacks support for styling the password-protected form page, adding branding elements, or editing the message shown above the password protect form.
These limitations make your site look inconsistent and unprofessional.
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How to Customize Password Protected Page in WordPress [Step-by-Step]
The simplest way to create a password protected page in WordPress is through the built-in visibility option in the Edit Page screen.
Inside the right-hand sidebar of your content editor, click on Status & visibility, select Password protected, and enter a password in the box provided.
Only users with this password can view the page.
This default password protection feature is quick to use, but it limits design and branding.
The form appears with a basic design, no styling, and clashes with the rest of your layout.
If you’re looking to match your custom password-protected page with your theme or add advanced features like user-based restrictions, you’ll need to go beyond the built-in tools.
Here are two ways to fully customize password protected page WordPress setups and create a better user experience.
Method 1: Customize Password Protected Page Using Elementor and The Plus Addons Protected Content Widget
The easiest way to create a custom password-protected page is by using the Elementor Protected Content widget from The Plus Addons for Elementor.
It’s the best method to use as it gives you full control over the design, access rules, and user experience, without having to write custom code.
This widget includes:
- Support for multiple passwords.
- Pre-designed content sections and templates.
- Controls for different user roles.
- Restrict content by logged-in status.
- Access based on viewership.
Here’s what a password protected page created with The Plus Addons widget looks like:
Here’s how to customize the page using this method:
Step 1: Install and Activate
First, install The Plus Addons for Elementor from your WordPress admin dashboard.
Once installed, go to The Plus Addons > Widgets from the left sidebar. In the search bar, type “Protected Content Widget” and locate it.
Toggle the switch next to it to activate the widget.
This unlocks all customization features you’ll need to build a secure, styled password-protected form page using Elementor.
Step 2: Add Widget to a Page
Open the page you want to protect, either a new page or an existing one, in the Elementor editor.
In the left panel, search for “Protected Content.” You’ll see a widget with a lock icon labeled Protected Content, by The Plus Addons for Elementor.
Drag and drop this widget anywhere on the page. This lets you create a custom password-protected form page using Elementor’s layout system.
You can restrict access to the entire page or just specific content sections using the widget.
Step 3: Edit the Widget
After adding the Protected Content widget, go to the left sidebar under the “Content” tab.
This is where you’ll define what content to lock and how it should be accessed. Start by choosing the Content Source.
You can type content directly by choosing Content.
You can also load it from an existing Elementor template by choosing the Page Template option and then choosing the template you’d like to use.
Next, scroll down to the Protection Type settings.
You can choose a single password, set multiple passwords, or restrict content based on user role or login status.
Enter your password and toggle cookie settings to control how long access remains unlocked.
Customize the message that appears before login using the Message section.
You can add a custom description above the password field, upload media, or use a saved template.
Finally, scroll to Form Text and Error Message sections.
This is where you can edit the label on the submit button, the placeholder text for the password form, and what users see if they enter the wrong password.
Step 4: Publish
Once you’re done editing the widget and setting up your password protection forms, it’s time to make the page live.
Click the Publish button in the Elementor editor to save and activate your custom password-protected page.
Visitors will now see your fully customized layout instead of the default password-protected page design.
They’ll be prompted to enter a password using your styled password field and submit button.
Method 2: Customize Default Password Protected Page Using CSS Hero
Another way to go beyond the default option for password protected pages is using the CSS Hero plugin.
To use this method, install and activate the CSS Hero plugin on your WordPress website.
Next, visit your password protected page on the front end. In the admin bar, click the “CSS Hero” button.
You’ll enter a live editor where you can click on any part of the password-protected form, like the submit button, message text, or background.
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Wrapping Up
WordPress makes it easy to create a password protected page, but the default design feels plain and disconnected from your brand.
A customized password-protected form can help you match your site’s design, improve the user experience, and control content visibility with more precision.
The best way to create a customized layout is with the Protected Content widget from The Plus Addons for Elementor.
It is an all-in-one solution for your WordPress website design needs.
This lightweight, performance-optimized plugin gives you access to 120+ fully customizable Elementor widgets that enhance both aesthetics and functionality.
Check out the Complete List of 120+ Widgets and Extensions here. Start building your dream website without coding!
With The Plus Addons, you get complete creative freedom to design your entire site without writing a single line of code!
FAQ on Customizing Password Protected Pages in WordPress
What is the difference between password protected and private pages in WordPress?
A password protected page WordPress feature allows anyone with the password to view the content. In contrast, a private page is visible only to logged-in users with specific permissions like admins or editors. Passwords give more flexibility for public access control.
Can I fully customize the WordPress password protected page design?
Yes, you can customize password protected page WordPress layouts using Elementor and widgets like Protected Content by The Plus Addons for Elementor. These let you change the password form, fonts, colors, and layout to match your brand identity and site style.
How do I add a password protected page using Elementor?
You can use The Plus Addons for Elementor and its Protected Content widget. Drag the widget onto your page, set your password protection settings, and style the layout. This method replaces the default password form with a fully custom password-protected page design.
Does The Plus Addons Protected Content widget require coding skills?
No coding is needed. The Protected Content widget from The Plus Addons for Elementor uses a visual interface to set up password-protected form pages. You can customize everything from content sections to the submit button using the Elementor editor easily.
Is it possible to password protect specific sections of a page in WordPress?
Yes, the Elementor Protected Content widget allows you to password protect only certain parts of a page. You can lock individual content sections while keeping the rest public, making it ideal for displaying exclusive content to selected users.
