Back Button Widget Issues with Custom or Block Themes

Problem Description #

On some themes (especially block-based or heavily customized ones) or when using page builders (like block themes, custom templates), the Back Button widget or shortcode does not display or behaves unexpectedly.

Common symptoms:

• Button not displayed at all.
• Button appears but layout broken or unclickable.
• Floating button appears in an unexpected place or off-screen.
• Shortcode inside page builder module shows raw text, not a functioning button.

Typical causes:

• The theme or builder does not use traditional widget areas (sidebars/footers) or filters the content in a way that prevents the plugin from injecting its markup.
• Custom templates may omit wp_head() or wp_footer(), preventing plugin scripts/styles from loading.
• Page-builder modules may sanitize or strip JS/HTML, or wrap content in unexpected containers, breaking positioning or functionality.

Solution-step-by-step:

1. Use supported placement methods

If your theme lacks widget areas, use shortcode directly in page/post content where the builder supports raw HTML/shortcode. Example:

[alg_back_button label=”Go Back”]  

• Avoid embedding in modules/blocks that restrict HTML/JS rendering (some page builders block certain tags).
  

2. Check theme template for proper hooks

• • Confirm that your theme’s header includes <?php wp_head(); ?> and footer includes <?php wp_footer(); ?>. Without these, plugin styles or scripts may not load at all.

3. Test with a default theme

• • Temporarily switch to a standard WordPress theme (e.g. Twenty Twenty-Three), then test the button (widget or shortcode). If it works, the problem lies in your theme/builder.
    

4. Use custom CSS or inline style for positioning/floating

1. • If using the Pro floating button feature but it appears off-screen, adjust margins/position via plugin settings or custom CSS. WPFactory+1
   • If shortcode inside builder does not render properly, wrap it in a simple HTML block (if builder allows) instead of a “styled module.”

5. Contact theme or builder support if needed

• If button still doesn’t work with default settings, reach out to your theme or builder developers and ask them to ensure standard widget/shortcode hooks are supported.

Prerequisites

• Basic knowledge of WordPress themes and how templates output wp_head() / wp_footer().
• Access to theme files or ability to switch theme.
  

Additional Notes / Prevention

• For future: prefer using themes that respect WordPress coding standards (i.e., include proper hooks) to ensure plugin compatibility.
  

Document in your site build guideline which plugins (like Back Button Widget) rely on standard hooks, helps future maintenance.