Keep Emoticons as Text
Disables the default WordPress option of converting emoticons to image smilies
The facts
- Rating
- 5★ from 8
- Active installs
- 700+
- Price
- Free
- Last updated
- 31 Jul 2026
- Added
- Nov 2015
- Requires WP
- 4.3
- Tested up to
- WP 7.0.4
- Downloads
- 8,563
Our analysis
AI-assistedKeep Emoticons as Text is a WordPress plugin that prevents the automatic conversion of text emoticons into image smilies. It was created in response to changes in WordPress 4.3, which removed the option to disable this feature from the Writing settings.
The plugin serves as a backup solution, ensuring that if the option is removed again in future updates, users can still retain text emoticons. It is suitable for users who prefer to keep emoticons in their original text format rather than converting them to images.
Best for: This plugin is best for users who want to maintain text emoticons on their WordPress site.
What it does well
- ✓Prevents automatic conversion of text emoticons to image smilies
- ✓Acts as a backup for a previously available setting
- ✓Free to use from the WordPress.org directory
- ✓Compatible with WordPress up to version 7.0.4
- ✓High directory score of 80/100
Where it falls short
- •The original setting has returned to WordPress, making the plugin less necessary
Verdict
Keep Emoticons as Text is a straightforward solution for those who prefer text emoticons. However, its necessity may be reduced due to the return of the original setting in WordPress.
From the developer
Geek Goddess's own description of Keep Emoticons as Text, lightly tidied.
This plugin was created because with the release of 4.3, WordPress removed the “Formatting” section from the Writing settings. Included in there was the option to turn off WordPress’s default action to convert text emoticons to image smilies. This plugin does the same thing as unchecking the “convert to smilies” box that used to be available via the settings when that update happened.
Now that setting has returned to the Writing Settings, so you can simply uncheck the box again there, but in case WordPress removes the setting again, this plugin will remain available.