How to Reset a WordPress Password from phpMyAdmin

How to Reset a WordPress Password from phpMyAdmin

To reset a WordPress password from phpMyAdmin, back up the database, open the wp_users table (your prefix may differ), edit your user, paste a WordPress-compatible hash into user_pass – create it with the free WordPress Password Generator – save, then log in and set a new password in your profile.

How to Reset a WordPress Password from phpMyAdmin

Key facts

  • Edit only user_pass in the _users table
  • Paste a WordPress hash (generator) or use the MD5 function
  • Old phpass/MD5 hashes still log in and are upgraded automatically
  • Back up the database first

Reset the password – step by step

Reset the password – step by step

Step 1: Back up the database

🔐 In your hosting panel, export the WordPress database or create a backup.

Step 2: Create the hash

Type your new password into the WordPress Password Generator and copy the hash it produces (it starts with $P$).

Step 3: Edit the user in phpMyAdmin

Open phpMyAdmin → your WordPress database → the table ending in _users → Edit next to your username.

Step 4: Replace user_pass and save

Delete the old value in user_pass, paste the new hash, leave the Function column empty, and click Go.

Alternative: the MD5 function

Alternative: the MD5 function

Instead of a generated hash, type your new password in user_pass and choose MD5 from the Function dropdown. WordPress accepts it once and upgrades it after login. The generator method avoids the weak MD5 step entirely.

Example

Table: wp_users → user_login: admin
user_pass (old): $wp$2y$10$…
user_pass (new): $P$B3xY… ← pasted from the WordPress Password Generator

💡 Want to try it right now? Open the free Wordpress Password Generator – it takes less than a minute, works on phone and computer and needs no sign-up. Open Wordpress Password Generator →

Troubleshooting

Troubleshooting
  • Still cannot log in: check you edited the right user and copied the full hash with no spaces.
  • Wrong table: multisite and custom prefixes can change table names – look for the one ending in _users.
  • Locked out by a security plugin: rename the plugin folder via File Manager temporarily.
  • Suspect a hack: also check the users list for unknown admins and change your hosting and database passwords.

After logging in

  • Set a fresh strong password in Users → Profile – create one with the Password Generator.
  • Turn on two-factor authentication with a security plugin.
  • Make sure your admin email address is correct so normal resets work next time.
Try the free Wordpress Password Generator now

Open the Wordpress Password Generator on pdfseotools.com – free, no sign-up and it works on any device.

Open Wordpress Password Generator →

Domande frequenti

Is it safe to edit the password in phpMyAdmin?

Yes, if you change only the user_pass field of the correct user and take a database backup first.

Can I just type a plain password in user_pass?

No. WordPress expects a hash. Paste the hash from the WordPress Password Generator, or choose MD5 in phpMyAdmin's Function column.

Does WordPress still accept MD5 or phpass hashes?

Yes. Newer WordPress versions store passwords with bcrypt, but older phpass ($P$…) and MD5 hashes still work for login and are upgraded automatically after you sign in.

My table is not called wp_users. Why?

Many sites use a custom prefix such as wpxy_users. Look for the table ending in _users.

Is there an easier way?

Try "Lost your password?" on the login page first. If email does not work, use phpMyAdmin or ask your host – many control panels have a WordPress reset button.

Should I change the password again after logging in?

Yes. Set a new strong password in Users → Profile so WordPress stores it with its current hashing method.

Summary

Backup, generate a hash, paste into user_pass, log in, set a new password. Create the hash with the WordPress Password Generator and see more free password tools.


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