Locked Out of WordPress?
Forgetting your WordPress password can feel like hitting a wall, especially when you’re in a hurry to make changes or publish new content.
But don’t worry, you’re not alone, and more importantly, you’re not stuck.
In this article, we’ll walk you through multiple methods to help you learn how to reset WordPress password, whether you have access to your email, your dashboard, or neither.
With just a few simple steps, you’ll be back in control of your website in no time.
Let’s get started!
What is a WordPress Password Reset?
A WordPress password reset is the process of changing your current password to a new one. It lets you regain access to your WordPress site if you forget or lose your password.
A password reset is helpful for both security and convenience. If you think someone else might have your password, it’s smart to reset it right away.
The process usually takes just a few minutes. After resetting, you should use your new password to log in.
WordPress recommends choosing strong passwords. This helps protect your website from unwanted access and keeps your content safe.
You can use online tools or password managers to create and remember strong passwords. If you often forget your password, write it down in a safe place or use a password manager.
Why You Might Need to Reset Your WordPress Password?
There are several reasons you might want to reset your WordPress password. Knowing these reasons can help you keep your site secure and easy to access.
- You Forgot Your Password: If you cannot remember your password, you will not be able to log in to your site. This is one of the most common reasons to reset a WordPress password.
- Account Compromised: If you think someone else has gained access to your site, resetting your password helps prevent any further problems.
- Login Problems: Sometimes, login issues happen even when you are sure your password is correct. Resetting your password can solve these issues.
- Password Expired or Outdated: Some sites ask you to update your password regularly for security. Using the same password for too long can make your account easier to attack.
- Lost Access to Email: If you no longer have access to the email you used for your account, you may need to reset your password to use a new one.
By noticing these situations early, you can keep your WordPress account safer and easier to access.
Looking to customize the default password reset experience? Here’s How to Make a Custom Password Reset Form in Elementor.
How to Reset WordPress Password [4 Methods]
Here are 4 beginner-friendly methods to help you reset your WordPress password quickly and safely.
Method 1: How to Reset a WordPress Password via the Dashboard
To reset your WordPress password from the dashboard, you need access to your account. This method is best if you can still log in.
First, log in to your WordPress site. On the left menu, click on Users and then select All Users.
Find your username in the list. Click your username to open your profile settings.
Scroll down to the section labeled Account Management.
Here, you will see a button that says Set New Password.
Click the button. WordPress will suggest a strong password for you. You can use this password or type your own.
Make sure your password is strong by including letters, numbers, and symbols.
When you are ready, click the Update Profile button at the bottom of the page to save your new password.
After updating, use your new password the next time you log in.
Method 2: How to Reset a WordPress Password Using the “Lost Your Password?” Link
If you can’t remember your WordPress password, you can reset it from the login page. This method is simple and does not require any special skills.
Go to your WordPress login page. The URL usually looks like this – http://example.com/wp-login.php (Replace example.com with your domain name)
Under the login form, click on the “Lost your password?” link.
You will see a page asking for your username or email address. Enter the email address or username linked to your account, then click Get New Password.
WordPress will send a password reset link to your email. Open the message and click the link inside.
You will be taken to a page where you can set a new password. Choose a strong password or use the one WordPress suggests.
Click Reset Password to save your new password.
If you don’t get the email, check your spam or junk folder. Make sure your website can send emails.
Want to secure specific content on your site? Learn How to Password Protect a Page in WordPress [Easy Steps]
Method 3: How to Reset a WordPress Password via phpMyAdmin
If you cannot access your WordPress dashboard, you can reset your password using phpMyAdmin. This tool lets you make direct changes to your database.
First, sign in to your hosting control panel and open phpMyAdmin. You may find this option under the databases section.
Select the database for your WordPress site on the left menu. Find and click on the table that ends with _users (for example, wp_users).
In the list of users, locate your username. Click Edit next to your user row.
Find the row labeled user_pass. In the Value column, erase the old password.
Enter your new password in the Value field.
Be sure to select MD5 from the function drop-down menu. This will encrypt your password the way WordPress requires.
Click Go or Save to update your password. You can now log in to your WordPress site with the new password.
Always remember to use a strong password to help keep your site secure.
Method 4: How to Reset a WordPress Password Using FTP or File Manager
If you can’t use the normal WordPress password reset link, you can reset your password using FTP or a File Manager.
First, connect to your website using an FTP client (like FileZilla) or through your hosting control panel’s File Manager.
Next, go to wp-content/themes/your-active-theme/.
And download the functions.php file from your active theme.
Add this code at the very end of the functions.php file, right before the closing ?> tag (if there is one)
wp_set_password('mynewpassword', 1);- Replace ‘mynewpassword’ with your new password.
- The number 1 is the user ID for the main admin account.
Save and upload the file back to the same folder on your server. Now, log in to your WordPress site using the new password you set.
After you log in successfully, remove the line of code you added. Leaving it in the file is a security risk.
Want to lock different sections with separate passwords in Elementor? Here’s How to Add Multiple Password Protected Content in Elementor?
How to Troubleshoot Common WordPress Password Reset Issues?
If your WordPress password reset is not working, there are a few things you can try.
- Plugin Conflicts: Sometimes, plugins block password reset emails or interfere with the process. Try deactivating all plugins and resetting your password again. If it works, reactivate the plugins one by one to find the cause.
- Theme Issues: A custom theme might cause problems. Switch to a default theme like Twenty Twenty-Four and try again.
- Email Problems: If you do not get the password reset email, check your spam folder. Also, make sure your site can send emails. You may need to use an SMTP plugin or contact your web host for help.
- Database Method: If you cannot reset your password by email, you can change it in your website’s database.
If you are still having trouble, your hosting provider or WordPress support can help you find a solution. Remember to back up your site before making changes to the database.
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Wrapping Up
Getting locked out of your WordPress site can be frustrating, but as you’ve seen, there are several ways to reset your password, whether you still have access to your email, dashboard, or not.
In this blog, we have discussed several ways to help you learn how to reset WordPress password, from using the standard “Lost your password?” link to more advanced methods like phpMyAdmin or editing your theme’s functions file.
Just remember to update your password with something strong and unique, and consider using a password manager to keep it safe.
And if you’re building a site for users or clients in Elementor, offering a custom password reset form can make the experience even smoother.
You can use the Password Reset Form widget by The Plus Addons for Elementor, which easily allows users to reset passwords.
Snapshot of Form created using The Plus Addons’ Password Reset Form widget
The Plus Addons for Elementor offers several powerful widgets to enhance your Elementor website’s functionality.
Check out the Complete List of 120+ Widgets and Extensions here. Start building your dream website without coding!
FAQs on Resetting WordPress Password
Is it possible to reset a WordPress password without email access?
Yes, you can reset your password even if you do not have email access. You can do this by logging into your hosting control panel and accessing the database with phpMyAdmin. Some hosts also let you reset it through their dashboard, or you can ask your hosting provider for help.
Can I reset my WordPress password if I don’t have database access?
Yes, you can reset your WordPress password without database access by adding a code snippet to your theme’s functions.php file via FTP or file manager. If that’s not possible, contact your hosting provider for assistance.
How long does it take to receive a WordPress password reset email?
A WordPress password reset email usually arrives within a few minutes. If you do not get it, check your spam or junk folder. If you are still waiting after 5-10 minutes, your email host or server might be delaying or blocking the email.
What should I do if I forgot my WordPress username?
If you forget your username, you can try using your email address to log in. The password reset page also works with your email address. If you do not know your email address either, you can check your website’s database for user information or contact your web host for help.
