What’s actually slowing this PC down?

Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

To stop WordPress from emailing the site administrator when a new account is registered, use the wp_send_new_user_notification_to_admin filter (WordPress 6.1 and later):

add_filter( 'wp_send_new_user_notification_to_admin', '__return_false' );

Put the code in a small site-specific plugin or a must-use plugin. This targets the administrator notice, not the separate account email sent to the new user.

First identify which email you want to stop

WordPress can send different messages during registration. The standard administrator message is usually titled “New User Registration.” The new user may receive a separate account or password message. A membership, form, or registration plugin may send additional emails that do not use WordPress core’s notification path.

  • Administrator notice: controlled by wp_send_new_user_notification_to_admin in WordPress 6.1 and later.
  • New-user account message: handled separately; disabling the administrator filter does not inherently disable it.
  • Plugin notification: controlled by the registration, membership, or form plugin that generated it.

Disable the core administrator email with a filter

1. Confirm the WordPress version

The documented filter was introduced in WordPress 6.1.0. Check the version under Dashboard > Updates before using it. Older versions do not provide this filter in core.

Free tools Windows power users keep installed

One-click scans. No signup required.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

2. Add the snippet outside the theme

Create or use a site-specific plugin, or add the code to a must-use plugin. This keeps the behavior active when the theme changes or is updated.

<?php
add_filter( 'wp_send_new_user_notification_to_admin', '__return_false' );

Do not paste the snippet into a theme if suppressing the notice is an important site-wide rule. A theme change could remove it.

3. Test the same registration workflow

Register a test account through the exact form or process that produced the unwanted email. Confirm that the administrator no longer receives the registration notice and verify that the new user still receives an account message if that message is required.

Why the user email may still arrive

WordPress core handles administrator and user notifications as separate paths. The administrator filter only returns false for the administrator notice; it is not a blanket switch for every registration email. If the user’s message is also unwanted, change the relevant user-notification setting or the registration plugin’s email configuration instead of assuming the core admin filter controls both.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

When a plugin is sending the message

If the email continues after the filter is active, inspect the form, membership, or registration plugin that handles sign-ups. Look for settings named new user notification, admin notification, registration email, or similar, and disable only the message you do not need.

The WordPress.org plugin Disable New User Notification is another option for owners who prefer a dashboard-installed solution. Its compatibility and maintenance information can change, so review the current listing against your WordPress version before activation.

Rank #4
Teacher Record Book
  • Keep track of everything from attendance to test scores
  • Spiral bound
  • Measures 8-1/2" x 11"

Be cautious with broad email-management plugins. The WPFrom Email listing describes its registration-notification control as tested only with the Gravity Forms User Registration Addon; in that integration, disabling the notification also disables the user’s password-setup email. Treat such behavior as integration-specific and verify it with a test account.

Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

Multisite: a separate activation notice

WordPress Multisite has a distinct network-admin notice path for user activation. The setting is the network registrationnotification value, not the single-site administrator filter above. If the message concerns activation across a network, check the network’s registration settings and the network administrator notification configuration.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

A site-level filter may therefore appear to work for one message while a network-level activation email continues through the separate Multisite path.

Quick Recap

SaleBestseller No. 1
SaleBestseller No. 3
Bestseller No. 4
Teacher Record Book
Teacher Record Book
Keep track of everything from attendance to test scores; Spiral bound; Measures 8-1/2" x 11"
$4.89

Choosing the right method

Approach Use it when Main consideration
Core filter snippet The site runs WordPress 6.1 or later and the unwanted message is the core administrator notice. Requires maintaining a small snippet; keep it in a site-specific or must-use plugin.
WordPress.org plugin You prefer a dashboard-installed solution instead of adding code. Check the plugin’s current maintenance and compatibility details before activation.
Registration-plugin setting The email originates from a form, membership, or registration integration. Scope and side effects vary; some integrations can also suppress the user’s password-setup email.
Multisite network settings The email concerns user activation on a WordPress network. This is a separate network-admin path from the standard site administrator registration notice.

Troubleshooting checklist

  • Confirm the site is running WordPress 6.1 or later.
  • Check that the code is active in a site-specific or must-use plugin.
  • Identify the exact sender, subject, and recipient of the remaining email.
  • Repeat the test through the same registration form that triggered the notice.
  • Review notification settings in any form, membership, or registration plugin.
  • On Multisite, check the network activation-notification setting separately.
  • Keep the new user’s account or password email enabled if users still need it to complete sign-in.

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.