How to change the Default Admin Username in simple steps

Introduction to the Default “Admin” Username

A common security vulnerability in WordPress is leaving the default “admin” username as the primary administrator account. During initial setup, WordPress often assigns “admin” as the default username with administrative privileges. This default is widely known and has become a frequent target for brute-force attacks, where automated bots repeatedly attempt to guess the account password.

Changing this default username is a straightforward but effective way to improve your site’s security. By using a unique administrator name, you remove an easy target, making it harder for hackers to guess your credentials and gain access.

Why Changing the Default Admin Username Matters

Hackers often target WordPress sites through brute-force attacks, attempting to gain access by guessing username and password combinations. When the administrator account is left as “admin,” hackers have one part of the login details, making it far easier to crack the password.

Some key reasons for changing the default admin username include:

1. Reducing Brute-Force Attack Vulnerability: By selecting a unique username, brute-force attacks become less effective since hackers can’t rely on the default “admin” username.
2. Increasing Account Privacy: A unique username is harder for hackers to predict. Since usernames can sometimes be visible to the public (such as in author pages), a non-obvious username for the admin account adds another layer of privacy.
3. Following Security Best Practices: Security professionals recommend avoiding common names for high-privilege accounts. Changing the “admin” username aligns your site with best security practices.

How to Change the Default Admin Username

Several methods can help you change the admin username in WordPress. Some are easier than others, so choose one based on your comfort with WordPress and site settings.

Method 1: Create a New Admin User and Delete the Old One

If you’re currently using the “admin” username, you can create a new administrator account with a unique username and then delete the old one.

1. Log into the WordPress Dashboard: Log in with the “admin” account.
2. Go to Users > Add New: Under Users, select “Add New.”
3. Create a New Administrator Account: Fill out the form with a unique username and secure password. Set the Role to Administrator.
4. Log Out and Log Back In with the New Account: Log out of the “admin” account and log back in with the new one.
5. Delete the Old Admin Account: Go to the Users section, locate the “admin” account, and select Delete. Make sure to reassign any content linked to “admin” to avoid losing posts or pages.

Method 2: Use a Plugin to Change the Admin Username

If you prefer not to create and delete accounts, you can change the username directly using a plugin like Username Changer or Easy Username Updater.

1. Install and Activate the Plugin: Go to Plugins > Add New, find “Username Changer” or “Easy Username Updater,” and activate it.
2. Change the Username: Once active, go to Users and select the plugin’s option to change the username. Enter a secure new username and save.
3. Test the New Username: Log out and log back in using the new username.

Using a plugin simplifies the process, especially if you aren’t familiar with creating new accounts.

Method 3: Change the Admin Username via phpMyAdmin

For those comfortable with database management, you can update the admin username directly in phpMyAdmin. This requires access to your website’s database and should only be attempted if you’re confident in database management.

1. Log into phpMyAdmin: Access phpMyAdmin through your hosting control panel (e.g., cPanel).
2. Find the WordPress Database: Locate the database for your WordPress site and open the wp_users table (your prefix may vary).
3. Edit the Admin Username: Look for the row with user_login as “admin.” Click Edit, replace “admin” with a unique username, and save.
4. Test the New Username: Log out and attempt to log in with the new username to confirm it works.

Additional Tips for Securing Your Administrator Username

1. Use Unique, Non-Obvious Names: Avoid predictable usernames like “administrator” or your site’s name. Instead, use a combination of random characters or variations.
2. Use a Strong Password: A secure password is essential. Combine your new username with a strong password for added protection.
3. Hide Username Visibility: WordPress may display usernames in URLs for author pages. Plugins like Edit Author Slug let you customise author URLs to prevent usernames from being visible.
4. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Adding 2FA to your admin account enhances security, requiring an extra verification step even if a hacker knows your username and password.

Recommended Plugins for Securing Login Access

1. Wordfence Security: Wordfence includes features such as limiting login attempts, 2FA, and blocking IP addresses attempting multiple logins with the “admin” username.
2. iThemes Security: This plugin provides brute-force protection, two-factor authentication, and logs failed login attempts. It can also lock out IPs that use “admin” for login.
3. WP Limit Login Attempts: This plugin focuses on limiting login attempts, blocking IPs that attempt logins with common usernames like “admin.” It helps defend against brute-force attacks.

Monitoring and Testing Your Login Security

After changing the default admin username, regularly monitor and test your login security to ensure it’s effective.

1. Monitor Login Attempts: Use security plugins to log login attempts. This helps you detect unauthorised access attempts.
2. Check Security Logs: Review security logs regularly through plugins like Wordfence or iThemes Security. Look for repeated attempts with the “admin” username, which may indicate hacking attempts.
3. Enable Email Alerts: Many plugins offer email alerts for failed logins, notifying you if someone tries to access your site using the old “admin” username.
4. Test 2FA Regularly: If you’ve enabled 2FA, test it periodically to ensure it’s working and that backup options are in place.

Conclusion

Changing the default admin username is an easy, effective way to boost your WordPress site’s security. Selecting a unique username, using strong passwords, two-factor authentication, and regular monitoring is highly recommended to protect against unauthorised access and keeping the site safe for both administrators and visitors.