How to Change the Admin Username in WordPress

The admin username in WordPress is a crucial credential, and keeping it secure is vital to your website's overall safety. Default usernames, such as "admin," are a common target for hackers, making it essential to customize this detail. Whether your site is hosted on a shared server, uses colocation services, or is part of a managed hosting solution, here’s a step-by-step guide to changing your WordPress admin username.

Why Change the Admin Username?

Enhanced Security
Default usernames are predictable and susceptible to brute-force attacks.

Custom Branding
Using a unique admin username helps maintain a personalized and professional touch.

Streamlined User Management
For teams sharing access, customized usernames make it easier to differentiate roles.

Ways to Change the Admin Username in WordPress

There’s no direct option to edit the admin username in WordPress through the dashboard. However, there are alternative methods to achieve this safely:

1. Create a New Admin User and Delete the Old One

This is the most straightforward and beginner-friendly method:

Log in to Your WordPress Dashboard

Go to the Users section and click Add New.

Create a New Admin User

Fill out the required fields (Username, Email, Password).

Assign the role as Administrator and save.

Log in With the New Admin Account

After logging out of the current admin account, use the newly created one to log in.

Delete the Old Admin Account

Navigate back to the Users section.

Delete the old admin account and attribute any existing content to the new admin.

2. Use a Plugin

Plugins are a user-friendly option for those who prefer not to modify databases or code.

Install a Security or User Management Plugin

Look for plugins that offer username change functionality.

Access the Plugin Settings

Locate the section for editing user details.

Update the Username

Enter a new admin username and save the changes.

3. Change the Username via phpMyAdmin

If you have server or colocation access and feel comfortable working with databases, this method is effective:

Access Your Hosting Control Panel

Log in to your cPanel, Plesk, or other hosting interface.

Open phpMyAdmin

Locate phpMyAdmin under the database tools section.

Select Your WordPress Database

Click on the database associated with your WordPress site.

Edit the wp_users Table

Open the wp_users table and locate the admin user.

Click Edit, change the user_login field to your desired username, and save.

Test the New Username

Log in to WordPress using the updated username.

4. Use Custom Scripts

For advanced users with server access:

Access Your Hosting via FTP or SSH

Connect to your server using an FTP client or SSH.

Create a Temporary PHP Script

Insert the following code into a new PHP file:

require('wp-blog-header.php');  

$user_id = 1; // User ID of the admin account  

wp_update_user( array( 'ID' => $user_id, 'user_login' => 'new_username' ) );  

?>  

Replace 'new_username' with your desired username.

Run the Script

Upload the file to your WordPress root directory and access it via a browser.

Delete the Script

Once the username is updated, delete the script to prevent unauthorized use.

Best Practices for Secure Admin Usernames

Avoid Common Usernames
Steer clear of usernames like "admin," "administrator," or anything easily guessed.

Use Strong Passwords
Pair your new username with a strong password to enhance security.

Limit Admin Access
Restrict admin privileges to necessary users only.

Leverage Hosting Features

If using colocation, ensure the server setup includes security monitoring to block unauthorized login attempts.

Managed hosting services often provide additional tools like two-factor authentication and login protection.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Login Fails After Username Change
Double-check the new credentials and ensure changes were saved properly in the database or plugin.

Database Errors
Backup your database before making changes, especially in server or colocation environments, to prevent data loss.

Compatibility Conflicts
Verify that plugins and themes are unaffected by the username change, as some may store user-specific settings.

Conclusion

Changing the admin username in WordPress is a critical step toward securing your site and personalizing your user management. Whether you prefer Wordpress plugins, database editing, or advanced server access, this guide equips you with the necessary steps to make the change safely and effectively. By leveraging your hosting environment—be it shared servers, colocation, or managed hosting—you can ensure smooth implementation and maintain robust website security.