Create an Admin User in the WordPress Database

You can create a new WordPress admin user from within the database. Use this method if your original admin user was corrupted or deleted.

1. Log into phpMyAdmin (cPanel / Plesk / Web Hosting / Managed WordPress). Note: If you’re using cPanel Hosting, you must select the database for your WordPress site in the left column before continuing to the next step.
2. In the left menu, select the wp_users table.
3. Select Insert.
4. Enter the following:FieldWhat it is…IDAny number that isn’t already used by another useruser_loginUsername for accessing the WordPress dashboarduser_passPassword for this user Note: Make sure to select MD5 in the functions menu.user_nicenameThe nickname for this useruser_emailEmail address for this useruser_registeredDate and time this user was registereduser_statusSet this to 0display_nameName that will display for this user
5. Select Go.
6. Select the wp_usermeta table.
7. Select Insert.
8. Enter the following:FieldWhatit is…user_idEnter the ID from step 4meta_keyEnter wp_capabilities Note: For Managed WordPress accounts or custom database table prefixes, include the prefix (e.g. wp_coolPrefix_capabilities).meta_valueEnter the following:a:1:{s:13:”administrator”;s:1:”1″;}
9. Select Go.
10. Select the Insert tab again.
11. Enter the following:FieldWhat it is…user_idEnter the ID from step 4meta_keyEnter wp_user_level Note: For Managed WordPress accounts or custom database table prefixes, include the prefix (e.g. wp_coolPrefix_user_level).meta_valueEnter the number 10
12. Select Go.

The admin user is now ready to log n with their username and password.

More Info

• Return to Unable to log into WordPress.