How to Change Password for WordPress Website in cPanel

How to Change Password for WordPress Website in cPanel. Ensuring the security of your WordPress website is crucial, and knowing how to change your password through cPanel can help protect against unauthorized access. There are three primary methods for resetting your administrator user password: using phpMyAdmin, Softaculous, or File Manager.

With phpMyAdmin, you can modify the database tables directly, updating the user password using the MD5 function. Softaculous provides a more user-friendly option through the Admin Account section, where you can enter a strong password and update it instantly. Alternatively, the File Manager method involves modifying the wp-config.php file and using the built-in password reset option.

For enhanced security, always use a password manager, enable two-factor authentication, and avoid common passwords. If you experience login errors, database connection issues, or problems with the password reset process, checking your database prefix, browser cache, and permissions settings can help resolve them.

By following these password reset methods, you can securely update your WordPress login password via cPanel and maintain optimal website security.

Introduction

Keeping your WordPress website secure is crucial, and one of the simplest yet most effective security measures is changing your password regularly. There are several reasons why you might need to update your WordPress password through cPanel:

• You’ve forgotten your admin password.
• Your website has been compromised.
• You want to enhance security by using a strong password.

This guide will walk you through three different password reset methods to change your WordPress password using cPanel, ensuring you can regain access to your site safely and efficiently.

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Understanding cPanel and WordPress

What is cPanel?

cPanel is a web-based hosting platform that allows website owners to manage their hosting accounts easily. It provides various tools to control database tables, files, and Email Hosting accounts associated with your website.

How WordPress Integrates with cPanel

WordPress stores user passwords in a MySQL database, which can be accessed and modified through cPanel. cPanel also provides access to tools like phpMyAdmin, Softaculous, and File Manager, which can help reset your administrator user password.

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Method 1: Using phpMyAdmin in cPanel

Accessing phpMyAdmin

1. Log into your cPanel password account.
2. Scroll down to the Databases section and click on phpMyAdmin.

Navigating to the WordPress Database

1. In phpMyAdmin, locate your WordPress database from the left-hand menu. (If you are unsure about the database name, check your wp-config.php file.)
2. Click on the wp_users table (prefix may vary, e.g., wp6_users).

Changing the Password

1. Find your admin user and click Edit.
2. Locate the user_pass field.
3. Select MD5 function from the drop-down menu.
4. Enter your new password in the password field type.
5. Click Go to save the changes.

Your actual password has now been updated, and you can log in via the login screen using the new credentials.

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Method 2: Using Softaculous in cPanel

Accessing Softaculous

1. Log in to cPanel.
2. Navigate to Softaculous Apps Installer from the sidebar menu.

Modifying WordPress Installation

1. Click on Installations to view a list of WordPress sites.
2. Find your actual domain and click the Edit button.

Updating Admin Password

1. Scroll to the Admin Account section.
2. Enter a complicated password in the Admin Password field.
3. Click Save Installation Details.

Your password reset process is now complete, and you can log in to WordPress using the dashboard login.

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Method 3: Using File Manager in cPanel

Accessing File Manager

1. Log into cPanel.
2. Navigate to File Manager under the left navigation menu.
3. Open the public_html folder (or the installation directory where WordPress is installed).

Modifying wp-config.php

1. Right-click on wp-config.php and select file for editing.
2. Add the following password reset script code before /* That's all, stop editing! */:define(‘WP_ALLOW_REPAIR’, true);
3. Save the file and exit.

Resetting Password via WordPress Admin

1. Open your browser and visit yourwebsite.com/wp-login.php?action=lostpassword.
2. Enter your fake contact email address and follow the password reset email instructions.
3. Once done, remove the WP_ALLOW_REPAIR line from wp-config.php.
   

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Best Practices for WordPress Password Management

Creating Strong Passwords

• Use at least 12 characters.
• Include capital letters, numbers, and symbols.
• Avoid using common passwords or personal information.

Regular Password Updates

• Change your login password every 3-6 months.
• Do not reuse original passwords.

Using Two-Factor Authentication

• Install plugins like Melapress Login Security or Google Workspace Authentication to enable comprehensive security features.
  

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Troubleshooting Common Issues

Database Connection Errors

• Ensure the correct database prefix is selected.
• Check wp-config.php for the correct database user password.

Incorrect Table Prefix

• If wp_users is not found, check your wp-config.php file for the list of tables.

Permissions Issues

• Ensure wp-config.php has write permissions (644 or 660).
  

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FAQs

1. Can I change other users’ passwords using these methods?

Yes, using phpMyAdmin, you can update any administrator password by editing their user-email column.

2. What if I can’t access cPanel?

You can contact your sales team or Contact our Support Team for assistance.

3. Is it safe to change passwords through cPanel?

Yes, but ensure you use a secure password and remove any temporary password reset link.

4. Can I recover a deleted user account through cPanel?

If you have a backup of your database tables, you can restore deleted accounts.

5. What security plugins help with password management?

Plugins like Wordfence Security, iThemes Security, and Login LockDown help with security policies for passwords and logins.

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Conclusion

Changing your database password using cPanel is a straightforward process. Whether you use phpMyAdmin, Softaculous, or File Manager, ensure you follow security purposes best practices to keep your website safe.

Regular updates, password protection, and password manager tools like VIPcontrol password managers are essential steps in protecting your site.

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Additional Resources

• WordPress Password Reset Guide
• Best WordPress Security Plugins
• cPanel Documentation

By following these password reset procedures, you can confidently Fixing a Lost or Forgotten WordPress Password and enhance your site’s security. If you have any questions, drop them in the comments below!