---
title: Hide a WordPress User Role
description: "With the [PublishPress Capabilities](https://publishpress.com/links/capabilities) plugin, it is possible to hide a WordPress user role. If a role is marked as \"hidden\" it will not appear in any WordPress role selection options, but it can be used by developers. Let's show…"
url: "https://publishpress.com/knowledge-base/hide-a-wordpress-user-role/"
updated: "2026-10-14"
category: PublishPress Capabilities / Roles
---

# Hide a WordPress User Role

With the [PublishPress Capabilities](https://publishpress.com/links/capabilities) plugin, it is possible to hide a WordPress user role. If a role is marked as "hidden" it will not appear in any WordPress role selection options, but it can be used by developers.

Let's show you how this feature works:

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## How to hide a WordPress user role

- Install the [PublishPress Capabilities](https://publishpress.com/links/capabilities) plugin.
- Install the [PublishPress Permissions](https://publishpress.com/links/permissions) plugin.
- Go to "Capabilities" then "Roles: in your WordPress admin menu.
- For each custom role created, you will be able to select the "Hide" button:

![Hide A Role](https://publishpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/hide-a-role-1024x186.png)
Hide A Role

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## What happens to hidden roles?

If a role is marked as "hidden" it will not appear in any WordPress role selection options:

- Add User
- Edit User
- Change role to

The role will still be available in some areas of WordPress:

- It can be used a [supplemental role](https://publishpress.com/knowledge-base/supplemental-roles/) in [PublishPress Permissions](https://publishpress.com/links/permissions).
- It can be used by plugins and themes. They can use the machine name of the role. The role will remain in the option name `wp_user_roles` in the `wp_options` database table.

![Wp User Roles](https://publishpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/wp-user-roles-1024x633.png)
Wp User Roles