Losing access to your WordPress admin account due to a forgotten password can be a frustrating experience. Thankfully, there are methods to reset your password manually using cPanel and phpMyAdmin. In this comprehensive step-by-step guide, we will walk you through the process of resetting your WordPress password using these powerful tools.
Note: This method should only be used if you do not have access to the email associated with your WordPress admin account and cannot use the regular password reset option.
Step 1: Accessing cPanel
First, log in to your website’s cPanel. You can usually access cPanel by typing “yourwebsite.com/cpanel” into your browser’s address bar and entering your cPanel credentials.
Step 2: Locating phpMyAdmin
Once logged in to cPanel, look for the “Databases” section and click on “phpMyAdmin.” This powerful database management tool is where we will make changes to reset your WordPress password.
Step 3: Selecting the WordPress Database
In phpMyAdmin, you’ll see a list of databases on the left-hand side. Locate and select the database associated with your WordPress installation. If you are unsure which database to choose, refer to your website’s wp config file for the database name.
Step 4: Browsing the wp_users Table
After selecting the correct database, you’ll see a list of tables. Look for the “wp_users” table and click on it to browse its contents.
Step 5: Finding Your Username
In the “wp_users” table, locate your username in the “user_login” column. Make a note of your username as you will need it for the next step.
Step 6: Updating Your Password
Go back to phpMyAdmin and find your user row in the “wp_users” table. Click on the “Edit” button to modify the row. Locate the “user_pass” field and replace its value with the new password hash you generated in Step 6. Save the changes.
Step 7: Logging in with Your New Password
Your WordPress password has now been reset to the new one you generated. You can now log in to your WordPress admin dashboard using your username and the new password.
Conclusion:
Resetting your WordPress password using cPanel and phpMyAdmin is a powerful method that allows you to regain access to your website’s admin account in case you forget your password. However, it is essential to handle these tools with caution, as incorrect modifications can lead to database errors. Always remember to create a strong and secure password and keep it in a safe place to avoid the need for manual resets in the future. As a website owner, it’s crucial to stay proactive about your website’s security and regularly update your passwords to safeguard your valuable content and data.