Have you ever been locked out of your WordPress site at the worst possible time? Maybe you forgot your password, or worse—your credentials may have been compromised. The good news is, resetting your WordPress password is simple if you know the right steps.

In this guide, we’ll cover all the ways to reset your WordPress password—from the login screen to phpMyAdmin and even the command line. We’ll also share security best practices so you’re not just resetting your password, but strengthening your website against cyberattacks.

Why Resetting Your WordPress Password Matters

WordPress powers over 43% of all websites worldwide, making it a prime target for hackers. Attackers often exploit:

  • Brute force attacks – automated attempts to guess your login.

  • Phishing scams – tricking admins into revealing credentials.

  • Credential stuffing – using stolen usernames/passwords from other breaches.

If your password is weak, reused, or stolen, your site could be hijacked. Regularly resetting your WordPress password adds an extra layer of defense, ensuring compromised credentials don’t remain active for long.

Methods for Resetting Your WordPress Password

Depending on your level of access, here are the five main methods you can use.

1. Resetting via the WordPress Login Page

This is the most common approach:

  1. Go to your WordPress login page (yoursite.com/wp-admin).

  2. Click “Lost your password?”.

  3. Enter your username or email address.

  4. Check your inbox for the reset link.

  5. Create a new strong password.

✅ Pros: Quick and easy.
❌ Cons: Requires working admin email.

2. Resetting from the WordPress Admin Dashboard

If you’re logged in but want to reset your password:

  1. Go to Users > Profile.

  2. Scroll to Account Management.

  3. Click Set New Password.

  4. Save changes.

This method is great for admins managing multiple users.

3. Resetting via phpMyAdmin (Database Method)

For times when email doesn’t work:

  1. Log into cPanel (or hosting dashboard).

  2. Open phpMyAdmin.

  3. Select your WordPress database.

  4. Navigate to the wp_users table.

  5. Locate your username and click Edit.

  6. Replace the password field with a new one (use MD5 hash or newer hashing method depending on setup).

  7. Save changes.

This method is highly effective but requires technical caution.

4. Resetting via FTP or File Manager

If you have FTP or hosting access:

  1. Connect via FTP or File Manager.

  2. Navigate to your theme’s folder and open functions.php.

  3. Add this snippet:

wp_set_password('NewStrongPassword', 1);

(Replace “1” with your user ID.)
4. Log in with your new password.
5. Remove the code immediately after.

5. Resetting via WP-CLI (Command Line)

For advanced users and sysadmins:

wp user update admin --user_pass=NewStrongPassword

This is the fastest method on managed WordPress hosting environments.

Best Practices for WordPress Password Security

Resetting is just one step. To truly protect your site:

  • Use Strong Passwords – at least 12 characters, mix of symbols/numbers.

  • Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) – apps like Google Authenticator.

  • Limit Login Attempts – plugins can block brute-force attempts.

  • Update WordPress Core, Plugins, and Themes – unpatched code invites hackers.

  • Use a Password Manager – LastPass, 1Password, or Bitwarden.

Common Issues When Resetting Your WordPress Password

  1. Not receiving reset emails – Check SMTP settings or use a plugin like WP Mail SMTP.

  2. Emails going to spam – Whitelist your domain.

  3. Database changes not saving – Ensure correct user table prefix (wp_ vs custom).

  4. Locked out due to malware – Run a scan with security plugins like Sucuri or Wordfence.

Advanced Security Tips for WordPress Admins

For enterprises and security-focused professionals:

  • Implement role-based access control (RBAC).

  • Regularly audit password changes.

  • Monitor login activity (geolocation logs).

  • Use server-level firewalls.

  • Always backup before major resets.

FAQs – Resetting Your WordPress Password

Q1: How do I reset my WordPress password without email access?
You can reset via phpMyAdmin, FTP, or WP-CLI if email isn’t working.

Q2: Can I reset my WordPress password via cPanel?
Yes, using phpMyAdmin or File Manager.

Q3: What should I do if the reset email doesn’t arrive?
Check spam, configure SMTP, or reset via database.

Q4: Is it safe to reset WordPress passwords through phpMyAdmin?
Yes, if done correctly. Always use strong hashing and secure access.

Q5: How often should I change my WordPress password?
At least every 90 days, or immediately after any suspected compromise.

Q6: Can hackers exploit password reset functions?
If your email or site is compromised, yes. Always enable 2FA.

Q7: What is the strongest password strategy for WordPress admins?
Use a random, 16+ character password stored in a password manager.

Conclusion

Resetting your WordPress password is not just about regaining access—it’s about protecting your website from real cyber threats. Whether you use the login page, phpMyAdmin, FTP, or WP-CLI, the key is to follow best practices and pair resets with stronger security measures.

Don’t just reset—upgrade your WordPress security today.