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Character Encoding Issues (Non-English)

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Introduction

Encoding problems can make non-English websites show strange characters. To address this issue, it’s crucial to set the charset meta tag correctly, preferably to UTF-8.

This guide explains how to fix such encoding issues.

Fixing Encoding Issues in WordPress

1) Modify Custom Theme Files:

If you are using a custom WordPress theme and encountering encoding issues on your non-English website, you should follow these steps to modify your theme files:

a) Locate Your Theme’s Header File:

Usually, you should be looking for a file called “header.php”.

b) Insert or Modify the Charset Meta Tag:

Inside the “header.php” file, look for the <head> section, usually located near the top.
Add the following line within the <head> section to specify UTF-8 encoding: <meta charset="UTF-8">
Save your changes.

c) Check and Test:

Visit your website and inspect various pages to ensure that the encoding issue is resolved.

2) Use a Plugin:

If you are not using a custom theme or modifying your custom theme does not resolve the encoding issue, you can use a WordPress plugin to insert the charset meta tag:

a) Install & Activate

Search for a plugin that allows you to manipulate the HTML headers such as “”Header and Footer Scripts”.

b) Configure

Configure the plugin to insert the <meta charset="UTF-8"> tag into the header of your website.

c) Check and Test:

Visit your website and inspect various pages to ensure that the encoding issue is resolved.

3) Use WordPress hooks (advanced):

For a more custom approach, you can add the charset meta tag using a WordPress filter hook:

a) Edit Your Theme’s Functions File:

Open your theme’s “functions.php” file (located in your theme’s directory).

b) Add Hook Code:

Insert the following code to add the charset meta tag:

function add_charset_to_head() { echo '<meta charset="UTF-8">' . "\n"; } add_action('wp_head', 'add_charset_to_head', 1);

c) Save Changes:

Save the changes to your “functions.php” file.

d) Check and Test:

Visit your website and inspect various pages to ensure that the encoding issue is resolved.

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