How do I reset my WordPress admin password?

There are several ways to reset your WordPress administrator password.

We recommend trying the easier options first before editing the database manually.

Option 1: Use the WordPress password reset link

Go to your WordPress login page, usually:

https://yourdomain.co.nz/wp-admin/

Click Lost your password? and follow the instructions.

This is the easiest option if your WordPress site can send email correctly.

Option 2: Reset the password from Softaculous or WordPress Manager

If your WordPress site was installed or detected by Softaculous, you may be able to reset the admin password from cPanel.

1. Log in to cPanel through your WebhostingNZ client area.
2. Open Softaculous Apps Installer or WordPress Manager by Softaculous.
3. Go to Installations.
4. Find the WordPress website you want to access.
5. Click the edit or details icon for that installation.
6. Look for the Admin Account or Admin Password section.
7. Enter a new secure password and save the change.

You should then be able to log in to WordPress using the new password.

Option 3: Reset the password using phpMyAdmin

Use this method only if the WordPress password reset email and Softaculous options are not available.

Be careful when editing the database. Changing the wrong value may cause problems with your website.

Step 1: Open phpMyAdmin

Log in to cPanel and open phpMyAdmin from the Databases section.

Step 2: Select the WordPress database

Click the database used by your WordPress website.

The database name may look something like username_wpxxx, where username is your cPanel account username.

If you are unsure which database your WordPress site uses, check the wp-config.php file for the database name.

Step 3: Open the users table

On the left-hand side, click the WordPress users table.

This is commonly called wp_users.

However, your site may use a different table prefix, so it may look like abc123_users.

Step 4: Edit the user

Click Edit beside the WordPress user account you want to update.

Step 5: Change the password

Find the user_pass field.

In the Function dropdown, select MD5.

In the Value field, remove the existing value and enter the new password.

Step 6: Save the change

Click Go to save the new password.

You should now be able to log in to WordPress using the new password.

After you log in, WordPress will normally update the password hash to its current password format automatically.

Need help?

If you are not sure which database or user table to edit, please contact WebhostingNZ support before making changes.