How to Change WordPress Username? (3 Methods Explained)

Have you felt the need to change your WordPress username? Maybe it’s due to security concerns or it doesn’t seem as good as it used to. Or maybe you are passing the login to someone else and want to change the credentials. Whatever the reason, changing the WordPress username is simple and straightforward if chosen the right method.

WordPress experts would change it either through the WordPress dashboard, a plugin, or directly via the database. That’s what we aim to cover through this blog. Plus, we’ll also check on the best practices to follow when changing usernames. Let’s begin.

Why Change Your WordPress Username?

Changing your WordPress username can be crucial for two key reasons concerning security and personalization. Here is a breakdown of them:

• Enhancing Security: The default username for WordPress is “admin” and hackers know this. If you leave it as “admin” it’s much easier for them to do a brute force attack into your site. Using a strong, unique id makes it harder for them to crack your login. It enhances WordPress site security with an extra layer of protection.
• Personal Preference: There could be personal reasons for changing your username besides security. Sometimes, you may have picked a username that you don’t like anymore, or maybe you misspelled it.
• Transfer ownership: You may be transferring the site control to someone else and want to give them their own username.
• Branding: You can change the username to match the branding of your website. However, it won’t make a tangible difference to your website functionalities.

By considering these two reasons you can understand the importance of a username. It is not only beneficial to create personalization but also ensure WordPress site security. Now, let’s understand the process of changing username in WordPress.

How to Change WordPress Username?

There are three main methods to change your WordPress username, each with its own advantages and considerations. Choosing the right method depends on your expertise and administrative privileges on your WordPress site.

Method 1: Create a New User and Delete the Old One

This method is the simplest, but it only works if you have administrator privileges on your WordPress site. Here’s how to change your username using the dashboard:

Step 1: Login to WordPress Dashboard

In the WordPress admin dashboard, navigate to Users >Add New; this section allows you to add new user information.

Step 2: Enter New Username

Locate the field “Username” within your profile settings. Here you can enter a new username in the provided field. You will also need to provide a new email address other than in your old account.

Step 3: Save the Changes

Once you’ve entered your new username, click on the “Add New User” button to save the changes.

Step 4: Delete Old User

Go to the All Users tab, find the old admin username, and delete the old user by clicking the Delete button underneath it. You will be prompted with the Confirm Deletion button click on it and the old account will be deleted.

Although this method is quite simple, let’s go to an even simpler one. Let’s see how you can change the username with a plugin.

Method 2: Using a Plugin

WordPress plugins offer a user-friendly way to change your username without needing to access the database. This method is ideal for beginners.

Step 1: Install and Activate Plugin

Search for and install a WordPress plugin like Easy Username Updater from the official plugin repository or third-party marketplaces. Once installed, activate the plugin to make it functional on your site.

Step 2: Locate Username Updater

With the plugin activated, navigate to the plugin’s settings area within the WordPress dashboard. The specific location might vary depending on the plugin you chose. It might be found under the “Users” menu or within the plugin’s dedicated menu option.

Step 3: Update Username

Click on the “Update” button next to your current username. Enter your desired new username and confirm it by typing it again in the designated field. Once you’ve done this, save the changes by clicking on the “Update Username” or similar button.

Now that we have covered the most straightforward methods, let’s look at one that gives you more control at the expense of being technical.

Method 3: Modifying the Database

phpMyAdmin is one of the key PHP development tools and help manage MySQL databases. This method requires some technical expertise and involves editing your WordPress database directly. It’s recommended for advanced users who are comfortable working with phpMyAdmin.

Step 1: Access phpMyAdmin

Begin by logging into your web hosting cPanel. Locate the phpMyAdmin tool, commonly used to manage your website’s database.

Step 2: Select Database

Within phpMyAdmin, you’ll see a list of databases. Choose your website’s database. In most cases, the database name will either exactly match your website’s domain name or have a prefix followed by your domain name.

Step 3: Find wp_users Table

Now, locate the table named “wp_users”. This table stores all user information related to your WordPress site, including usernames.

Step 4: Edit User Row

Locate the row corresponding to your current username within the “wp_users” table. There are usually many columns, including one for usernames. You might be able to identify your row by looking for your username or email address in the table.

Step 5: Update Username Field

Click the “Edit” button associated with the row you identified in the previous step. This will open an edit window for that specific user. Locate the field labeled “user_login”. This field stores the current username. Here, you can replace the existing username with your desired new username.

Step 6: Save Changes

Once you’ve entered your new username, click the “Go” or “Save” button. This will save the changes you made to the database.

If you’re unsure about this process, it’s best to stick with the previous methods. Or you can hire WordPress developers if you are facing any issues while changing the username or any other configuration.

Important Considerations When Changing Username

Changing your username can be a strategic move for security or branding. But it’s important to follow the best practices to avoid issues and maintain a smooth user experience. Here are some consideration when making the change:

• Choose a Strong Username: Choose a unique and complex username, avoiding dictionary words or personal information. This will help prevent brute-force attacks and keep your account more secure.
• Consider Branding Impact: Your username is part of your online presence, so check whether it aligns with your brand. If the name is catchy and easy, the audience can recognize and remember it.
• Backup Your Site: If you’re using the database editing method to change your WordPress username, creating a WordPress site backup is crucial. This backup allows you to restore your WordPress site in case of any issues during the process.
• Update Internal Links: If your old username is linked to your website’s URL structure, you may need to update those links. To ensure the user lands on the right page consider implementing redirect URLs in WordPress.

Following these best practices when changing the username ensures a smooth and secure transition. By creating backups, choosing strong usernames, and considering security, you can maintain site integrity. If you want the best security practices to be followed while developing or making changes, contact WordPress development experts.

FAQs on Changing WordPress Username

Can I change my WordPress username more than once?

Yes, you can change your WordPress username as many times as you want. However, it is recommended to keep your username consistent for branding and to avoid any confusion for your readers.

Do I need technical knowledge to change my WordPress username?

Not necessarily. While methods like editing the database require some technical knowledge, you can use plugins or create a new user through the dashboard, which are user-friendly options.

What are the risks of changing my username?

While rare, there are some potential downsides:

• Broken Links: If your username is part of your website's URL structure, changing it might break those links.
• Login Confusion: You'll need to update your login credentials on all platforms where you used the old username.
• Data Loss (Database Method): Backing up your site is crucial before modifying the database.

You can overcome these downsides by following the best practices while changing the username.

Conclusion

Changing your WordPress username is simple yet crucial for maintaining security and personalization. You can change the username using the WordPress dashboard, plugins, or databases.

Which method you choose depends on your needs and expertise with the technology. Modifying databases is not recommended if you are a beginner. If you need help changing the username or building a secure site, hire WordPress developers. They can ensure a backup and other best practices to provide you with reliable web solutions.