Perplexed, Yet Intrigued? Learn How to Reset Your WordPress Admin Password Using phpMyAdmin

WordPress is an amazing content management system (CMS) used by millions of websites all over the world. It offers a reliable and user-friendly platform to create and manage your website content. But have you ever forgotten your admin password and didn’t know how to retrieve it? Well, have no fear because phpMyAdmin is here (whatever that means)!

Step 1: Accessing phpMyAdmin

First, you need to access phpMyAdmin. This is usually found in the cPanel or similar control panel provided by your web hosting provider. You can also access it through a URL like this: http://yourdomain.com/phpmyadmin. Sounds confusing, doesn’t it?

Step 2: Locate Users Table

Next up, find the users table. WordPress stores user information in the wp_users table on the database. You will find this table listed on the left-hand side of the phpMyAdmin panel. So, it’s not lost in the abyss of coding…

Step 3: Edit User Password

Click on the wp_users table to open the table view. You will see a list of all users registered on your website including the admin account. Click on the edit button next to your admin username. You will then see a list of all the fields for the user. Ever heard of encrypted passwords? Yeah, me neither. But locate the user_pass field containing your current encrypted password (cue the “Huh?”).

Step 4: Save Changes

Say what? You need to change your password?
Click the function dropdown list next to the user_pass field and select MD5. This will automatically create an encrypted password that you can input to reset your admin password. Here’s where it gets REALLY exciting. In the Value field of the user_pass field, delete the existing password and insert your new password. Note that the password here has to be encrypted, and you can go to any online MD5 generator and input your new password to get an encrypted code that you can copy and paste. Finally, click on the “Go” button to save the changes you have made. You will then receive a notification confirming that the changes have been made. Just like magic, but with code.

Step 5: Login to WordPress site

Now that you have successfully reset your password using phpMyAdmin, you can access your WordPress site once again, but with a new password. Go to the WordPress login page, located at http://yourdomain.com/wp-admin, and enter your username and new password. You should be able to log in successfully and access the WordPress dashboard. Feeling like an IT pro yet?

Conclusion

Resetting your WordPress admin password using phpMyAdmin is relatively easy, even for users who are not familiar with coding or databases. However, before you attempt to change your password, it is important to ensure you back up your website data to avoid any data loss if you make any errors. So, if nothing else, back that thing up before attempting to code your way into a new password.

With the steps detailed above, you can take control of your WordPress site, resetting passwords, and securing your online investment! Or at least start down the path to befuddled bliss.