Ever forgotten your WordPress admin password or worried someone else might know it? You’re not alone—website security starts with strong, unique login credentials. Knowing how to change your admin password is essential for keeping your site safe from hackers and unauthorized access.
In this article, we’ll walk you through all the ways to update your WordPress admin password, from the dashboard to alternative methods. Get ready to take control of your website’s security with simple, step-by-step guidance.
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How to Change the Admin Password in WordPress
Changing your WordPress admin password is an essential part of maintaining your website’s security. Whether you’ve forgotten your password, suspect it has been compromised, or simply want to update it regularly, knowing how to change your admin password is a vital skill for any WordPress site owner.
Let’s explore the various methods, step-by-step instructions, and best practices for keeping your admin account safe.
Why You Should Change Your Admin Password
Before diving into how to change your password, it’s important to understand why it matters:
- Security: Frequent password changes help protect your site against unauthorized access.
- Account Recovery: If you suspect someone has gained access to your account, changing your password is the first step to regain control.
- Team Changes: If someone leaves your team or agency, resetting passwords ensures only authorized users have access.
- Routine Maintenance: Regular password updates are a smart security practice for any website owner.
Method 1: Changing Your Password via the WordPress Dashboard
This method is best if you remember your current password and can log in.
- Log in to your WordPress Admin Panel
- Visit the login page (usually www.yoursite.com/wp-admin).
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Enter your username and current password.
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Navigate to Your Profile
- Once inside, look for the “Users” menu on the left sidebar.
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Click “Profile” (for your account) or “All Users” to select another account if you’re an admin managing users.
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Change Password
- Scroll down to the “Account Management” section.
- Find “New Password” and click “Set New Password.”
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WordPress generates a strong password for you. You can use it or type your own.
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Update Profile
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After entering your new password, scroll down and click the “Update Profile” button.
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Log Back In
- You may need to log in again with your new password.
Tip: Use a strong password with a mix of letters, numbers, and special characters for better security.
Method 2: Resetting Your Password via the “Lost Your Password?” Link
If you can’t log in because you forgot your password, follow these steps:
- Go to the Login Page
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Find your site’s login (www.yoursite.com/wp-admin or www.yoursite.com/wp-login.php).
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Click “Lost Your Password?”
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This link usually appears below the login form.
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Enter Your Username or Email
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WordPress will send a password reset link to the email associated with your account.
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Check Your Email
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Open the email from WordPress and click the reset link.
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Set a New Password
- Enter a strong new password, confirm it, and save changes.
Note: If you don’t receive the email, check your spam folder, or proceed with the next methods below.
Method 3: Change Password via phpMyAdmin
This method is suitable if you’re locked out of your account and unable to receive password reset emails. You’ll need access to your hosting control panel.
Steps using phpMyAdmin
- Access Your Hosting Panel
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Log in to your hosting account (such as cPanel, Plesk, or custom panel).
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Open phpMyAdmin
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Locate the phpMyAdmin tool.
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Select Your Database
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Click the appropriate WordPress database from the left sidebar.
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Find the Users Table
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Look for the table named “wp_users.” (It may be named with a different prefix, like “xyz_users” depending on your installation.)
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Locate Your Admin Username
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Find your admin username in the list and click “Edit.”
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Change Your Password
- In the “user_pass” field, select “MD5” from the function column (some hosts do this automatically).
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Enter your new password in plaintext in the value field.
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Save Changes
- Click “Go” or “Save.”
Important: As of more recent WordPress versions, passwords are stored with more secure hashing than MD5. If possible, reset your password via the dashboard or email first, then only use phpMyAdmin if other methods fail.
Method 4: Using WP-CLI to Change Your Password
WP-CLI is a command-line tool for advanced users or developers.
Steps with WP-CLI
- Connect to Your Server
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Use SSH to access your site’s server.
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Navigate to your WordPress directory
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Usually via
cd /path/to/your/wordpress/. -
Run the Password Command
- Type the following, replacing USERNAME with your admin account and NEWPASSWORD with your new password:
wp user update USERNAME --user_pass=NEWPASSWORD
Pro Tip: WP-CLI is powerful for administrators managing multiple sites or automating tasks.
Method 5: Change Password via User Management (for Multiple Admins)
If your site has more than one admin, another admin can reset your password.
- Another Admin Logs In
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The other administrator logs into the dashboard.
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Go to Users > All Users
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They find your account on the list.
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Edit and Set a New Password
- They can click “Set New Password” and provide you with the new one.
Benefits of Regularly Changing Your Admin Password
- Increases Security: Helps prevent brute-force attacks and hacking attempts.
- Protects Sensitive Information: Keeps your site’s data, user info, and client projects safe.
- Simplifies Recovery: Reduces risks if old team members or third parties ever had access.
- Boosts Overall Website Health: Acts as part of a strong security routine.
Challenges and How to Overcome Them
Changing your admin password is usually straightforward, but these issues can arise:
- Email Issues: You may not receive the reset email. Verify you have access to the correct email, or check your hosting provider’s email settings.
- No Access to Admin Panel: Use phpMyAdmin or WP-CLI as backup methods.
- Password Complexity: Use a reliable password manager if you struggle to remember complex passwords.
- Locked Out After Too Many Attempts: Some security plugins may block by IP. In this case, access via hosting panel.
Best Practices for Admin Password Management
- Use Complex Passwords: Lengthy and random combinations are best.
- Change Passwords Regularly: Especially after major updates, security incidents, or personnel changes.
- Enable Two-Factor Authentication: Adds a second layer of defense.
- Limit Admin Access: Only grant administrator rights to trusted, necessary users.
- Never Share Your Password: Use user management instead of sharing access.
Cost Considerations
- Changing Your Password is Free: None of these methods should incur extra charges if you have access to your hosting or dashboard.
- Professional Help: If you need help from a developer or support team, fees may apply. Always choose reputable services.
- No Shipping or Delivery Required: As this process is completely digital, you won’t incur any shipping costs.
Additional Tips
- Update All Devices: If your browser or devices have saved passwords, update them to prevent login errors.
- Review Security Plugins: Keep an eye on any plugins that help with login security or password policies.
- Backup Your Site: Before making database changes, always create a backup—just in case something goes wrong.
- Monitor Site Activity: After a password change, review your site’s activity logs for suspicious behavior.
Summary
Changing your WordPress admin password is a quick yet important step in securing your website. While you can easily do this from the dashboard or via the “lost password” link, alternative methods like phpMyAdmin or WP-CLI offer solutions when you’re locked out or face technical issues.
Remember to use strong, unique passwords and consider regular updates as part of your overall site security strategy. A safe admin account means safer content, users, and peace of mind for you.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How can I reset my WordPress admin password if I don’t have access to my email?
If you can’t receive password reset emails, use phpMyAdmin or WP-CLI through your hosting control panel. Access the users table in the database, select your admin account, and set a new password. Be sure to follow the security standards for password encryption.
2. Is there a way to change my password without logging into the dashboard?
Yes. If you’re unable to log in, try resetting your password using the “Lost Your Password?” link at the login page. If you don’t have email access, phpMyAdmin or WP-CLI are good alternatives if your host allows it.
3. How often should I change my WordPress admin password?
Change your password at least every 3–6 months, or sooner if you suspect your account may have been compromised or after a team member leaves. Regular updates significantly enhance your website’s security.
4. What makes a strong WordPress admin password?
A strong password should be:
– At least 12 characters long
– A mixture of uppercase and lowercase letters
– Includes numbers and special characters (like !, @, #)
– Random, not based on words or patterns
Use a password manager to keep track of complex passwords securely.
5. Will changing my admin password log out other users or affect my website?
Changing your admin password only logs you out of your own sessions. It does not impact other users or affect your website functionality. However, if you believe your site has been compromised, consider forcing all users to reset their passwords and updating security plugins.
By staying proactive and informed about password management, you ensure your WordPress site remains secure and accessible only to the right people.