WordPress is one of the most popular content management systems used for blogs and websites, and the security of your website’s login credentials is crucial. Whether you suspect that your account has been hacked or simply want to update your password, knowing how to change your WordPress password is essential. In this blog, we will cover various methods you can use to change your WordPress password, including via the WordPress Dashboard, via email, and via phpMyAdmin.
Video Tutorial:
The Challenge of Changing Your WordPress Password
WordPress powers over 35% of all websites on the internet. It’s a popular target for hackers, which makes your login credentials always at risk. Unfortunately, many people don’t update their WordPress passwords frequently enough, and this can lead to a security breach. Changing your password regularly is important to mitigate these risks, and we will help you accomplish that in this article.
Things You Should Prepare for
Before starting the password reset process, you will need access to the email address associated with your account. If you have forgotten your password and can’t access the email address, you can still gain access to your account by using the phpMyAdmin method outlined below.
Method 1: Changing Password via WordPress Dashboard
One of the easiest methods to change your WordPress password is via the WordPress dashboard. Follow these steps:
Step 1: First, log in to your WordPress account by entering your current username and password.
Step 2: Go to the User Profile Page by clicking on the “Users” tab from the left-hand menu.
Step 3: Click on the “Edit” button next to your Username.
Step 4: Scroll down until you see the “New Password” field. Enter the new password you want to use and confirm it.
Step 5: Click on the “Update Profile” button to save your new password.
Pros:
Easy-to-use and ideal for people who prefer to navigate through the dashboard.
Cons:
Cannot be used if you do not remember the original password or username.
Method 2: Changing Password via Email
WordPress has an in-built password reset feature that allows users to change their passwords through their email address. Here’s how:
Step 1: Go to your WordPress login page and click on the “Lost your password?” link.
Step 2: Enter the email address that you registered with and click on the "Get New Password" button.
Step 3: Check your email for a message containing a link to reset your password. Click on the link.
Step 4: Enter your new password twice, then click on the “Reset Password” button.
Step 5: Once done, you can use your new password to log in to your WordPress account.
Pros:
Simple and quick, as the password reset feature is built into WordPress.
Cons:
You will need to have access to your email address for this method to work.
Method 3: Changing Password via phpMyAdmin
If you are unable to access your dashboard or your email address, phpMyAdmin is another option to reset your WordPress password. Follow these steps:
Step 1: Access your phpMyAdmin panel via your hosting control panel. This will vary depending on your hosting provider.
Step 2: Find the WordPress database and look for the "wp_users” table.
Step 3: Once you’ve found the table, click on the “Browse” button.
Step 4: Locate your username and click on the “Edit” icon next to it.
Step 5: Look for the “user_pass” field and enter your new password. Note: you will need to select “MD5” from the drop-down menu to ensure the password is encrypted.
Step 6: Click on the “Go” button to save the changes.
Pros:
Can be used if you have forgotten both your email address and login credentials.
Cons:
Requires some familiarity with phpMyAdmin and access to your hosting control panel.
Why Can’t I Change My WordPress Password?
There are a few reasons why you may not be able to change your WordPress password, such as:
Q: I don’t remember my username or email address.
A: You can use phpMyAdmin to reset your password if you do not remember your login credentials.
Q: I don’t have access to my email address anymore.
A: You can use the phpMyAdmin method outlined above to reset your password if you no longer have access to your email.
Q: I am not seeing the “New Password” field on my user profile page.
A: Your user role may not have the necessary access levels to change the password. Make sure you are logged in with an Administrator account.
Additional Tips
Here are a few additional tips to keep in mind when changing your WordPress password:
– Use a unique and strong password that is at least 12 characters long, which includes capital letters, special characters, and numbers.
– Avoid using personal information such as your name, birth date, or phone number as part of your password.
– Set up two-factor authentication to add an extra layer of security to your account.
– Regularly update your WordPress plugins and theme to ensure your website is secure.
5 FAQs about Changing a WordPress Password
Q: Will changing my WordPress password log me out of other devices?
A: Yes, when you change your password, you will be logged out of all other devices.
Q: Can I change my password via FTP?
A: No, you cannot change your password via FTP.
Q: Do I need to use a security plugin to change my password?
A: No, you do not need to use a security plugin to change your WordPress password.
Q: What should I do if I forget my password and email address?
A: You can still gain access to your account by using the phpMyAdmin method outlined in this blog post.
Q: Is changing my password on a regular basis really necessary?
A: Yes, changing your password regularly is crucial to maintain the security of your WordPress website.
In Conclusion
Changing your WordPress password is a critical step in securing your website. Whether you choose to change your password via the WordPress Dashboard, via email, or via phpMyAdmin, the process is fairly straightforward. Be sure to follow our additional tips to make your WordPress account more secure.