How to change the admin username in WordPress

Why change it?

A username is the name you type to log in. Many people leave it as "admin". Attackers know this and try it first. Then they guess passwords. If your username is something else, they have one more thing to guess. So a unique username makes your site a little safer.

Before you start, take a backup of your site and database. A database is the organized store where WordPress keeps all your posts and settings.

Way 1: Make a new administrator (easiest)

You create a new admin account, then delete the old one.

1. Log in to your WordPress dashboard.
2. Go to Users, then Add New User.
3. Type the new username, an email you have not used for another user, and a strong password.
4. Set the Role to Administrator.
5. Click Add New User.
6. Log out. Log in again with the new account.
7. Go to Users, then All Users.
8. Point at the old "admin" user and click Delete.
9. Choose Attribute all content to and pick your new user. This keeps your posts.
10. Click Confirm Deletion.

Way 2: Use a plugin

A plugin is an add-on for WordPress. Some plugins are made just to change usernames.

1. Go to Plugins, then Add New.
2. Search for a plugin that changes usernames, then click Install Now and Activate.
3. Open the plugin from the menu, find your user, and type the new name.
4. Click the save button, then log in again.

Way 3: Use phpMyAdmin

phpMyAdmin is a tool for looking at and changing your database. Be careful here. A wrong change can lock you out.

1. Log in to your hosting control panel and open phpMyAdmin.
2. Click your WordPress database on the left.
3. Click the table wp_users. Your table prefix may be different, so look for a name that ends in users.
4. Click Edit next to your user.
5. Change the user_login value to the new username. You can change user_nicename too.
6. Click Go to save.

Then log in with the new name and your old password.

Quick recap

• A hard-to-guess username helps protect your login.
• Easiest way: create a new administrator and delete the old one, keeping the content.
• Or use a plugin, or edit user_login in phpMyAdmin.
• Back up first.