How to change WordPress username

Changing your WordPress username is crucial in enhancing your website’s security. The default username for WordPress is “admin,” which is risky due to its vulnerability to hacking attempts. This comprehensive guide will explore various methods to change your WordPress username securely.

A WordPress username is a unique identifier used to log in to a WordPress website’s admin area, allowing users to manage and edit the WordPress website’s content and settings.

Why Change Your WordPress Username?

Before delving into the methods, let’s understand why changing your WordPress username is essential:

• Enhanced Security: Using the default “admin” username or easily guessable usernames like your business name, full name, or pet’s name can make your WordPress website susceptible to unauthorized access. Changing your username adds an extra layer of WordPress security.
• Preventing Hacking Attempts: Hackers often attempt to gain access by targeting common usernames. Changing your username can prevent these efforts and protect your website from potential breaches.
• Cleaner User Management: If you have multiple users on your WordPress site, changing usernames can help you maintain a more organized and secure user environment.

Why You Can’t Change a WordPress Username Directly

It’s important to note that once an account is created in WordPress, you can’t change the username directly on the user’s profile page. WordPress doesn’t provide a built-in feature to edit usernames after initial setup. However, there are two straightforward workarounds for WordPress users seeking to change their usernames:

Method 1: How to Change WordPress Username by Creating a New User

Creating a new user with a new username is a straightforward way to change your WordPress username. This method doesn’t require installing additional plugins, keeping your website lean.

Steps to Change WordPress Username:

1. Log in to WordPress as an administrator.
2. Navigate to USERS within the main menu on the left-hand side of your WordPress dashboard.
3. Hover over the user account known as “ADMIN” and click EDIT.
4. Change the email address in the email address field. Ensure it’s different from the primary email address you’ll use for the new account.
5. Click UPDATE at the bottom of the page.
6. Now, the first user is associated with a different email address. Create a new WordPress user with a username that is difficult to guess.
7. Click USERS > ADD NEW on the left-hand menu.
8. Choose an obscure username.
9. Add a primary email address.
10. Choose a secure password.
11. You can now log in as the newest user to delete the old user account.
12. When deleting the old user, you can assign all the existing data from the old user to the new one.

Remember always to maintain complex usernames and passwords to enhance security.

Method 2: How to change WordPress username via a plugin

If you’re concerned about locking yourself out or prefer a more straightforward solution, using a username changer plugin can be an excellent choice. Several plugins are available in the WordPress Plugin Directory, manually reviewed by the WordPress community.

Recommended Username Changer Plugins:

1. WP Edit Username

• This plugin adds a feature to edit/change user usernames.
• Only users with edit user capability can edit usernames.
• Users can receive an email notification about the username change.

How to use WP Edit Username:

• Install the plugin and go to USERS on the left-hand side.
• Select the user whose username you’d like to change.
• Click EDIT next to the username.
• In the box, type the new WordPress username.
• Click update username.

2. Easy Username Updater

• This plugin allows administrators to change usernames and provides a list of users with their email addresses, WordPress usernames, and roles.
• It offers the option to search for users by username, email address, or role.
• You can send the updated username to the user by email.

How to use Easy Username Updater:

• Find Users in the menu on the left-hand side.
• In the Users menu, locate Username Updater.
• Click the UPDATE link next to the user you’d like to update.
• Enter the new username.
• Click update.

Method 3: How to change WordPress Username via PHPMyAdmin

For advanced users confident with phpMyAdmin, this method offers a quick way to change the WordPress username. Please exercise caution as it may log you out of WordPress, so ensure you have an alternative ADMIN login.

Steps to Change WordPress Username via PHPMyAdmin:

1. In the left-hand pane of phpMyAdmin, click the WordPress database to view a list of tables.
2. Locate the table called wp_users.
3. In the user_login column, find the username you want to change.
4. Double-click the username, type the new username, and press Enter.
5. Log in to WordPress using the new username (the password remains unchanged).
6. Click Update Profile to confirm the changes.

Changing your WordPress username is straightforward once you choose the method that suits your expertise and security concerns.

Can I Change My Username via phpMyAdmin If I’m Not an Advanced User?

Changing your username via phpMyAdmin requires technical knowledge and confidence with the platform. If you’re not familiar with it, it’s recommended to use one of the other methods mentioned in the article.

What Are Some Best Practices for Choosing a New Username, and how to pick a good one?

When selecting a new username, consider the following best practices:

• Avoid common and easily guessable usernames.
• Use a combination of letters, numbers, and symbols for added security.
• Ensure it’s unique and not associated with your business name, full name, or pet’s name.
• Create a username that is both memorable and difficult for others to guess.

In conclusion, ensuring your WordPress username is unique and secure is critical in safeguarding your website from potential threats. Whether you create a new user, use a plugin, or use phpMyAdmin, enhancing your website’s security should always be a top priority.

This article provides detailed information on how to change your WordPress username securely using different methods, including creating a new user, using username changer plugins, and making changes via phpMyAdmin. It emphasizes the importance of username security and offers practical steps for seasoned WordPress users.