How to Change Wordpress Username- Manually or With a Plugin?

Have you ever created a WordPress account in a rush? Selected a username, and then discovered it didn't exactly suit your current needs or brand? Perhaps you have heard that changing your default "admin" username will help safeguard your website from hackers.

Regardless of the cause, changing your WordPress login is a sensible decision. But how would you go about it? Have no fear!

Whether you're tech-savvy or not, this post will lead you through the process of changing your WordPress username in simple, clear stages, both manually and with the use of a plugin.

So, let’s get started!

Why Change Your WordPress Username?

Before diving into the "how," let's briefly touch on the "why." Changing your WordPress username can help you:

• Enhance Security: The default "admin" username is a hacker's first guess. Changing it adds an extra layer of security.

• Reflect Your Brand: As your website grows, a username that aligns with your brand becomes increasingly important.
  
  

• Correct Mistakes: Typos happen to the best of us. Changing your username can correct any mistakes made during the initial setup.

Changing Your WordPress Username Manually

Changing your WordPress username manually can seem daunting, but it’s a straightforward process if you follow these steps.

Via WordPress Dashboard

ordPress does not allow its users to directly change the names under which they login from the convenient dashboard interface. There exists, however, a straightforward means of circumventing this restricted customization:

• Create a New User: Navigate inside the WordPress control panel to the "Users" submenu, then select "Add New" to craft a supplementary identity utilizing the preferred designation. Naturally, a different electronic mail address must accompany this substitute persona than is linked to the initial login name.
  
  

• Assign Administrator Role: Be certain to allocate the prime "Administrator" role to the alternate profile via the dropdown list of options. This will transfer full oversight capabilities to the repurposed account.
  
  

• Log Out and Log In: Sign out of the current profile and then sign back in utilizing the fresh account recently formulated.
  
  

• Delete the Old User: Navigate to "Users," locate the past username, and remove it. WordPress will inquire regarding how to manage the material possessed by the defunct account. Opt to credit the whole content to the novel account.

Via phpMyAdmin

For those comfortable with database operations, changing your username via phpMyAdmin is another manual method:

• Access phpMyAdmin: Log into your web hosting control panel, find the database tools section, and launch phpMyAdmin.
  
  

• Find the WordPress Database: Select the database that your WordPress site uses from the left-hand sidebar.
  
  

• Edit the wp_users Table: Find and click on the wp_users table (note that the prefix "wp_" might be different if you changed it during installation), then browse for your username.
  
  

• Edit Your Username: Click "Edit" next to your username, change the value in the user_login field to your new username, and save the changes.

Changing Your WordPress Username with a Plugin

If manual methods sound too complex or risky, using a plugin is a safer and more straightforward option. Plugins like "Username Changer" make the process simple:

• Install the Plugin: Go to "Plugins" > "Add New" in your WordPress dashboard, search for "Username Changer," install, and activate it.

• Change Your Username: Navigate to "Users" > "Your Profile" or "Users" > "All Users" and click "Edit" under your username. You'll see a new option to change your username. Enter your new username and save your changes.

While shifting your WordPress login is a basic yet powerful approach to boost your site's safety and bring your brand further into focus, the method is straightforward when guidelines are followed meticulously. Some sentences may be shorter while others more complex to weave varied styles. Remember that in changing your login, be certain its uniqueness, memorability and fortitude to repel potential perils.

Whether manually or using plugins, assume command of your WordPress login to firmly yet flexibly shield and shape your site to fit circumstances like securing private access points, correcting mistakes or rebranding efforts. The work invested yields outcomes well worth the time in cultivating an online presence tailored securely to your needs.