4 Simple Methods to Set Elementor Accordion Closed by Default + 10 Premium Accordion Templates!

TL:DR: Elementor used to open the first accordion item by default, but no more. So, here's how to set elementor accordion closed by default:

• Click the accordion widget in the Elementor editor.
• Under the Layout section → go to Interactions.
• Find the Default State dropdown.
• Set it to All Collapsed.
• (Optional) Set Max Items Expanded to One.

Stick with me & I assure that by the end of this post, you’ll know…

So without a further ado, let’s dive in…

3 Proven Ways to Set Elementor Accordion Closed by Default

I know when using the Elementor's Accordion widget, the “first item” or rather say the “first slide” of the accordion is open by default & the context is readable. I know you don't like it.

To put salt on the burn, Elementor doesn’t provide any settings to close that “opened” or rather say “active” slide of the accordion.

But no worries as these were the old days as now you can keep the accordion start as closed as Elementor now provides in-built settings.

After researching, trying & testing myself, I’ve found 3 simple methods and they are as follows:

• Method 1 – Use Elementor's Built-in Settings (No code)
• Method 2 – Creating a duplicate accordion & using a tiny CSS code
• Method 3 – Using HTML Widget + JavaScript Code

Now let’s dive into the first method…

Method 1: Use Elementor's Built-in Settings

This is by far the easiest and cleanest solution in 2025.

Here's a step-by-step guide on keeping the accordion start closed…

1. Select your accordion widget in the Elementor editor.
2. In the left sidebar, go to the Content tab → then Layout.
3. Scroll to the Interactions section.
4. Set the Default State to All Collapsed.
5. Set Max Items Expanded to One (optional but recommended for better UX).
6. You can also adjust animation timing and icons.

That's it.

Now, a big question: Does it work with Free Elementor?
Well, the answer is Yes, but as long as you're on the latest version. It's available in the free version.

Earlier, this simple setting wasn't available in Elementor & hence I'd written a detailed post that helped over 1000's of Elementor folks with adding code and all.

If you're still on the older version, consider upgrading to the latest version.

Bonus: Want to Skip Styling & Save Time?

If you don’t want to spend time tweaking paddings, colors, icons, or mobile behavior, I’ve got you covered.

I’ve personally designed a pack of 10+ premium FAQ accordion templates — built using Elementor, easy to import, and crafted for real-world use (client sites, landing pages, service websites, and more).

And being honest upfront, as these are custom made templates, there's just a fraction of cost involved.

Method 2: Using a Simple CSS Code (Requires Elementor PRO)

Let’s start with steps right away…

Step 1: Duplicate the very first accordion item
(please note – I'm talking about the first item, not the whole widget)

For example, let’s say you’ve 4 accordion items, so just duplicate the very first item
& make the total accordion items as 5.

Step 2: Copy any of the below-provided CSS code

				
					.elementor-accordion .elementor-accordion-item:first-of-type {
display: none;}
.elementor-accordion {
  border-top: 1px solid  #D4DFF2C7;
}
				
			

				
					.elementor-accordion .elementor-accordion-item:nth-child(1) {
display: none;
}
.elementor-accordion .elementor-accordion-item:nth-child(2) {
border-top: 1px solid #D4DFF2C7 !important;
}

				
			

IMP Note: Both of the above-provided CSS codes will function the same i.e.
hide the first accordion item.

The “display: none” property wipes the top border of the second item, so to get it back, make sure to include the border-top CSS code & replace your border color against #D4DFF2C7.

Step 3: Navigate to the Advanced settings of the accordion widget &
paste any of the above CSS codes inside the Custom CSS option.

That's it!

Once you’re done adding the CSS code, Update the page & see the magic.

The very first accordion item (duplicated one) will be hidden & the rest accordion will start as closed by default which is exactly what you needed.

Method 3: Using JavaScript Code

In this method, all you need to do is add an HTML widget & a little code that will help you keep the accordion closed. Here's how to do it…

Step 1: Copy the below-provided JavaScript code…

<script>
jQuery(document).ready(function($) {
var delay = 100; setTimeout(function() {
$('.elementor-tab-title').removeClass('elementor-active');
 $('.elementor-tab-content').css('display', 'none'); }, delay);
});
</script>

Step 2: Just above your accordion widget, place an “HTML Widget” from the elements panel &
paste the above-provided JavaScript code inside the HTML Code.

Step 3: Once done, publish or update the page and see it live.
You'll find your first accordion start as closed (and that's exactly what you googled for)

💡Pro Tip: If you're using multiple accordion widgets on your website and you want the same functionality, simply add the above-provided JavaScript code in the Elementor > Custom Codes to make the code work on all the pages/posts.

Please note that custom codes, custom fonts, etc. are a premium features
available only to Elementor Pro users.

If you need these awesome features & functionality, give Elementor Pro a shot today!

10+ Premium Accordion (FAQ) Templates – Ready to Download!

Over the past few years, I’ve worked with 100+ Elementor-based websites — from SaaS to coaching to eCommerce — and one thing everyone needs is a good-looking FAQ section.

So instead of creating it from scratch every time, I built a pack of:

• 10+ modern FAQ accordions
• Responsive, clean, and minimal
• Pre-styled icons and spacing
• One-click import via JSON
• Perfect for client work or product pages

Which Method Should You Choose?

Still Confused? Here's how you can decide…

Handy Tips for Better Accordion Layouts & Placement for Conversions

I know this section isn’t required but just felt like sharing it, so here I go…

• Use Narrow Layouts: The layout I would personally use & recommend for accordions is a narrow layout with a width ranging from 600 px to 1100 px & not wider than that. Doing so will improve user experience and readability.
• Use Accordions Sparingly: Too many accordion sections can overwhelm users & it's obvious. Stick to only what’s necessary, and group similar content together to make it easy to read.
  
• Highlight Key Info: Ensure crucial details or calls-to-action (CTAs) are prominent and easy to spot. This helps guide users toward conversions, whether it’s signing up for a newsletter or making a purchase.
• Make It Mobile-Friendly: Test your accordion layout on mobile devices to ensure it’s responsive.
• Track and Adjust: Use heatmaps or user behavior tracking tools to see where users are interacting most. Based on this data, adjust your layout to improve engagement and conversions.

Bonus Tip:

• Use CTA's After Accordions: Placing accordion at the bottom of the page is a standard practice. But adding a call to action right after the accordion section/widget, can get you higher conversions, especially on your landing pages (based on my obversions & learnings)

Understood the funda's? Was this information of some value?
If so, I want you to read the next section for me…

Elementor Folks, A Small Request!

For the problem “how to keep elementor accordion default closed” there were already several articles on the Google SERP but still only the JavaScript method was stuffed in most of the articles.

Hence, I researched, tried & tested myself & then compiled all of the above methods along with some tips
to provide more solutions & more value to the community.

So, if you found this blog post helpful, a comment along with a social share
will encourage me to write more & write better.

Now let me answer some of the FAQs.

FAQs | Elementor Accordion Widget

Wrapping Up

If you're using the latest version of Elementor, the new Default State setting is the best and easiest way to keep accordions closed by default.

But if you’re working on legacy sites or want more control, you can still use the JavaScript or CSS method.

And if you’d rather skip the styling altogether, feel free to check out the ready-made templates I’ve created. They’re affordable, clean, and made with real users in mind.

Lastly, note that If any of the methods did work, can you please comment below
so that fellow Elementor folks know that this content piece is not outdated?

Although I’ve added all the useful information I know about accordions, still I think you must give it a read.

• Smashing Magazine – Accordion Design Best Practices: An in-depth article on accordion design best practices, including when and where to use them for an optimal user experience.

Thanks for giving it a read & if you’ve reached down here, I want you to know that you’re an awesome reader.

Cheers,
Kuldeep