WordPress Admin Locked 🔐 – Fix Login Issue

Locked Out of WordPress Admin 🔐 – Fix WordPress Login Area

Getting locked out of your WordPress Admin Panel can be frustrating. Whether it’s due to a forgotten password, plugin conflict, or server issue, you need a quick solution. This guide will show you how to regain access to your WordPress dashboard step by step.

Common Reasons for WordPress Admin Lockout

• Incorrect Username or Password: Mistyped credentials or forgotten login details are the most common reason.
• Plugin or Theme Conflicts: Newly installed or updated plugins/themes can sometimes block admin access.
• .htaccess File Issues: A misconfigured .htaccess file can prevent you from logging in.
• Server or Hosting Problems: Temporary server errors or restrictions from hosting providers can lock you out.
• Corrupted WordPress Core Files: Incomplete updates or corrupted files can block admin access.

Step 1: Reset Your WordPress Password

The easiest way to fix login issues is to reset your password:

1. Go to your WordPress login page and click “Lost your password?”
2. Enter your username or registered email address.
3. Follow the password reset link sent to your email to create a new password.

Step 2: Deactivate Plugins

Plugin conflicts are a common cause of admin lockout. You can temporarily deactivate all plugins:

1. Access your website via FTP or cPanel File Manager.
2. Navigate to wp-content/plugins.
3. Rename the folder to plugins_backup to deactivate all plugins.
4. Try logging in again. If it works, reactivate plugins one by one to find the conflicting plugin.

Step 3: Switch to Default Theme

A theme conflict may also prevent login. To switch temporarily:

1. Go to wp-content/themes via FTP or File Manager.
2. Rename your active theme folder (for example, mytheme_backup).
3. WordPress will revert to a default theme like Twenty Twenty-One.
4. Try logging in again.

Step 4: Fix .htaccess File

Corrupted .htaccess files can block login access:

1. Access your website root directory via FTP or File Manager.
2. Rename .htaccess to .htaccess_backup.
3. Try logging in. If successful, go to Settings → Permalinks and click “Save Changes” to generate a new .htaccess file.

Step 5: Create a New Admin User via phpMyAdmin

If nothing works, create a new admin account manually:

1. Open phpMyAdmin from your hosting control panel.
2. Select your WordPress database and open the wp_users table.
3. Click “Insert” and add a new user:
• user_login: newadmin
• user_pass: Use MD5 and enter your password
• user_email: your email
• user_registered: current date
• user_status: 0
• display_name: Admin
4. Next, go to wp_usermeta and add:
• meta_key: wp_capabilities, meta_value: a:1:{s:13:"administrator";b:1;}
• meta_key: wp_user_level, meta_value: 10
5. Save changes and login with the new admin account.

Step 6: Contact Your Hosting Provider

If none of these methods work, contact your hosting provider. They can help restore backups, reset permissions, or check server issues.

Conclusion

Being locked out of your WordPress admin area is stressful, but by following these steps, you can quickly regain access. Always keep your site backed up, update plugins/themes regularly, and use strong passwords to avoid future lockouts.

Video Guide

Watch the step-by-step video tutorial below: