Changing Username and Password

For some odd reason I've seen an increase in the number of threads at the forums from people unable to login to their WordPress install. I'm not sure if they have simply forgotten their login details or if the information in the database was somehow corrupted but the threads are very real. If you find you cannot login to WordPress because you forgot either your username or password you can still reset everything in the database via phpMyAdmin. Actually it's a good idea to change your username anyway. WordPress by default sets the admin account username to admin - how original. That's half the information any potential hacker needs right there. While changing the password can be accomplished from within WordPress itself changing the username cannot.

Login to whatever control panel your host offers such as cPanel. Next, login to phpMyAdmin.

1. Once you're signed into phpMyAdmin you will see a screen similar to the one above. (click image to enlarge) Select your database from the list.

2. Now you will see the screen above. (click to enlarge) In the wp_users table click the "browse" icon.

3. At this screen (click to enlarge) you need to click the pencil icon which means edit.

You will now come to this screen. (click to enlarge) These are the final steps. Type your new username and password in the boxes illustrated above. After typing in your new password be sure to click the drop down menu and select the MD5 password hashing option. WordPress 2.5 uses an improved hashing algorithm but you can still choose MD5. The first time you login to WordPress the password will be converted using the new algorithm. After you have done all of that click "Go" to complete the procedure.

Test to make sure everything works the way it should by logging into WordPress.

Below is a short video screencast.

Editor's Note: The video screencast has been updated for WordPress 3.1.2 and is now in HD.
Post Updated: 09 May 2011

If you prefer to view it directly on YouTube click here.