How to Reset WordPress Password From phpMyAdmin?

When it comes to WordPress site security, passwords play a big role. So, forgetting your WordPress password can be frustrating, especially if you don’t have access to the email associated with your account. But don’t worry—there’s an easy way to reset password from phpMyAdmin directly, a popular tool used by WordPress developers to manage website databases.

Knowing how to reset a WordPress password using phpMyAdmin is an essential skill. If you’re facing challenges or need assistance with managing your WordPress site, working with expert WordPress developers can save you time and stress.

In this blog, we will discuss this process step by step, helping you regain access to your site quickly and without hassle. Let’s get started!

Why Reset a WordPress Password From phpMyAdmin?

Password protecting your WordPress site is always a good idea. But sometimes, you may find that your WordPress login is not working because you forgot your password or can’t access the email account linked to your WordPress. In such cases, resetting your password through phpMyAdmin is a reliable solution.

PhpMyAdmin allows you to directly access your WordPress database and make changes, including resetting your password. This method is helpful when:

• You can’t access your email: If you’re unable to receive password reset emails from WordPress, phpMyAdmin gives you a way to change your password without needing email access.
• You’re locked out of the WordPress dashboard: If you can’t log in to your site to reset your password, phpMyAdmin allows you to do it directly at the database level.
• You want a quick fix: PhpMyAdmin is a fast, effective way to regain access to your WordPress site, especially when other methods aren’t working.

In short, phpMyAdmin will let you change the password directly. Also, you don’t need your WordPress login URL to do so.

Step-by-Step Guide to Reset WordPress Password From phpMyAdmin

Recovering a WordPress password is really easy. All you need to do is go to the login page and click on ‘Lost your password?’ link.

This link will take you to the password reset page, where you’ll need to enter your username and email address. Once you enter the details, you will be sent a link via email.

But, in case you don’t remember the email address associated with your WordPress site, you’ll need to reset the password directly in the database using phpMyAdmin.

Follow these steps to do so:

Step 1: Login to cPanel dashboard from your WordPress hosting. Locate phpMyAdmin under the Database sections and click on it. You will be taken to your phpMyAdmin app.

Step 2: On your phpMyAdmin dashboard, you need to locate your WordPress database on the left pane. Once you find it, you have to open it.

Step 3: Once you open your WordPress database, you’ll see a list of tables in your database. Here, you need to find wp users table and click on the Browse link next to it.

Step 4: You’ll see a list of users in your WordPress table. Click the Edit button next to the username of the account you want to reset the password for.

Step 5: PhpMyAdmin will display a form with all the user information.

Next, delete the current value in the user_pass field and enter your new password. In the function column, select MD5 from the dropdown menu, then click the Go button at the bottom to save the changes.

Once you click Go, your password will be encrypted with the MD5 hash and stored in the database.

Why choose MD5 for encrypting the password?

WordPress used to use MD5 for password encryption, but since version 2.5, it switched to stronger encryption methods. However, WordPress still supports MD5 for compatibility reasons. Once you log in with a password encrypted using MD5, WordPress will automatically update it to the newer encryption method.

WordPress Password Reset Best Practices

When resetting your WordPress password, it’s important to follow best practices to ensure your website stays secure. Here are some key tips to keep in mind:

• Use Strong Passwords: Always choose a strong and unique password. Avoid using common words or phrases. A good password should include a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters.
• Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): To add an extra layer of security, enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) on your WordPress site. This requires you to enter a code sent to your phone or email, along with your password, when logging in.
• Update Your Password Regularly: Even if you don’t think your password is compromised, it’s a good idea to change it regularly. This reduces the risk of unauthorized access.
• Avoid Using Default Admin Username: The default “admin” username is often targeted by hackers. Make sure to choose a unique username when setting up your WordPress site to avoid this vulnerability.
• Backup Your Site Before Making Changes: Before resetting any password or making major changes to your WordPress site, always backup your website. This ensures you can restore your site if anything goes wrong.
• Use a Password Manager: Storing strong passwords can be tricky. Consider using a password manager to securely store and manage your passwords. This way, you won’t forget them and can generate even stronger passwords.
• Clear Your Browser Cache After Resetting: After resetting your password, clear your browser’s cache to avoid any conflicts with your previous session. This ensures you’re logging in with the updated credentials.

With these simple best practices, you can keep your WordPress site secure and ensure your password reset process is smooth and safe.

FAQs on WordPress Password Reset

Summing Up

Resetting your WordPress password from phpMyAdmin is a quick and efficient way to regain access to your site, especially if you’re unable to access your email or login page. You can do this by simply using your cPanel dashboard.

Remember, it’s important to follow best practices to keep your site secure, such as using strong passwords and enabling Two-Factor Authentication. If you’re ever unsure or need professional help with WordPress-related issues, our professional WordPress development company is always here to help.