Method 1: Better REST API Featured Images Plugin

This plugin extends the REST API posts endpoint and adds the featured image URLs in the response. Additionally, it provides different image sizes and the respective URLs for them.

Method 2: Add a Featured Image Directly to the API

The second method of using the WordPress API to get a featured image involves editing the functions.php file.

In your WordPress dashboard, navigate to Tools>Theme File Editor. You’ll find the functions.php file on the right-hand side.

 Once your php file is open, add the following lines of code:

Method 3: Using the Query Parameter

This method lets you fetch the URL of your featured image using the query parameter ?_embed. You simply add ?_embed at the end of the URL like this:

The response will show you where your featured image is located.

Get Your Featured Images with the WordPress API

With these three methods, you can easily fetch featured images for your post with the REST API. Luckily, it’s pretty straightforward, just remember to be careful when editing the functions.php file and make a backup before changing any site files.

If you’re not confident about changing the functions.php file, you can install and use the Better REST API Featured Images plugin or the ?_embed query parameter to get your featured images.