---
title: "How to Open WordPress Menu Dropdown on Hover?"
url: https://nexterwp.com/docs/open-wordpress-menu-dropdown-on-hover/
date: 2024-12-02
modified: 2026-09-13
lang: en
author: "Aditya Sharma"
description: "Hover dropdowns let desktop visitors scan sub-pages quickly just by moving the pointer over a menu item. The free Navigation Menu block in Nexter Blocks opens dropdowns on hover by..."
image: https://nexterwp.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/How-to-Open-WordPress-Menu-Dropdown-on-Hover_-1024x519.jpg
word_count: 230
---

# How to Open WordPress Menu Dropdown on Hover?

## Key Takeaways

- Nexter Blocks Navigation Menu opens dropdowns on hover by default in the free version, and it also works in Nexter Blocks Pro.
- Navigation Menu block settings place Submenu Open on Hover and let the user pick Slide Up (JS), Fade In (JS), Slide Up, or Fade In before saving.
- Touch screens have no hover, so the post says to turn on the Responsive Mobile Menu for phones or use On Click.

Hover dropdowns let desktop visitors scan sub-pages quickly just by moving the pointer over a menu item.

The free Navigation Menu block in Nexter Blocks opens dropdowns on hover by default.

*For every Navigation Menu setting in one place, see the [Navigation Menu block guide](https://nexterwp.com/docs/add-a-navigation-menu-in-wordpress/).*

[LIVE BLOCK LINK](https://nexterwp.com/nexter-blocks/builder/wordpress-navigation-menu/)

## Before You Start

- **Edition:** Free — works in Nexter Blocks (free) and with Nexter Blocks Pro.- **Block to enable:** Navigation Menu, switched on under **Nexter > Blocks** in your WordPress dashboard.- **A menu with sub-items:** Manual Menu items at 1 Level, or a WordPress menu with child items (Pro).

## Steps

- Add the **Navigation Menu** block to your header template and set up your menu items.

- In **Navigation Content**, set **Submenu Open** to **On Hover**.

![Submenu Open and Submenu Transition in the Navigation Content panel](https://nexterwp.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/navigation-menu-submenu-open.webp)

- Pick a **Submenu Transition**: Slide Up (JS), Fade In (JS), Slide Up or Fade In. Save.

![A header menu with a dropdown opening on hover](https://nexterwp.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/navigation-menu-on-hover-demo.gif)

## How It Behaves

- The dropdown stays hidden until the pointer moves over the parent item, then opens with the chosen transition.- It works the same for Manual Menu and WordPress Menu, in the free plugin and with Pro.

## Limitations

- Touch screens have no hover. Turn on the Responsive Mobile Menu for phones, or use On Click.

## Troubleshooting

### The dropdown does not open

Check that the sub-items are directly below their parent and set to a higher **Menu Level**, such as 1 Level.

## Related Docs

- [Navigation Menu block: all settings](https://nexterwp.com/docs/add-a-navigation-menu-in-wordpress/)- [Open dropdowns on click](https://nexterwp.com/docs/open-wordpress-menu-dropdown-on-click/)- [Create a mega menu](https://nexterwp.com/docs/create-a-wordpress-mega-menu/)