Step-by-Step Guide: How to Change Your WordPress Login URL
August 22, 2023 / Other / By Sonu
WordPress is one of the most popular content management systems (CMS) in the world, with over 60 million websites using it. Unfortunately, its immense popularity makes it a prime target for hackers. One way to improve your website’s security is by changing your WordPress login URL. By doing this, you can prevent unauthorized access to your site’s backend. In this step-by-step guide, we will show you how to change your WordPress login URL using the WPS Hide Login plugin, and provide additional security measures to consider.
Introduction: Why Change Your WordPress Login URL?
WordPress is the most popular content management system and powers over 40% of the websites on the internet. As a result, it is also a popular target for hackers and bots. One of the most common attacks is through the WordPress login page. By default, the login page is located at /wp-admin or /wp-login.php, making it an easy target for brute-force attacks.
Changing your WordPress login URL can significantly improve the security of your website. In this step-by-step guide, we’ll show you how to change your WordPress login URL to protect your site from unauthorized access.
Benefits of Changing Your WordPress Login URL
Changing your WordPress login URL offers several benefits, including:
- Improved website security: Changing your login URL makes it harder for attackers to locate and target your login page.
- Protection from brute-force attacks: Attackers often use bots to target the default login URL, trying different username and password combinations until they gain access. Changing the login URL can protect you from these types of attacks.
- Better control over your website: By changing your login URL, you can better control who accesses your website’s admin area.
- Peace of mind: Knowing that your website is better protected can give you the peace of mind to focus on other important aspects of your business.
Step 1: Choose a New Login URL
The first step in changing your WordPress login URL is to choose a new URL. You can choose any URL that is easy for you to remember but is difficult for attackers to guess.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a New Login URL
Consider the following factors when choosing your new login URL:
- Avoid using common login URLs: Avoid using URLs such as /admin, /login, or /wp-login.php, as they are frequently targeted by attackers.
- Use a unique URL: Use a unique URL that is difficult for attackers to guess. You could use a combination of letters, numbers, and symbols to create a unique login URL.
- Make it easy to remember: Choose a URL that is easy for you to remember. You’ll need to use this URL to log in to your WordPress site.
Step 2: Install and Activate the WPS Hide Login Plugin
The easiest way to change your WordPress login URL is to use a plugin. In this guide, we’ll use the WPS Hide Login plugin.
What is the WPS Hide Login Plugin?
The WPS Hide Login plugin is a simple and lightweight plugin that lets you change the WordPress login URL without any coding skills. It works by intercepting requests to the default WordPress login URL and redirecting them to the new login URL.
How to Install and Activate the WPS Hide Login Plugin
Follow these steps to install and activate the WPS Hide Login plugin:
- Log in to your WordPress dashboard.
- Click on “Plugins” in the left-hand menu.
- Click on “Add New.”
- In the search bar, type “WPS Hide Login.”
- Click on “Install Now” next to the WPS Hide Login plugin.
- Click on “Activate.”
Step 3: Configure the WPS Hide Login Plugin
Now that you have installed and activated the WPS Hide Login plugin, it’s time to configure it.
Access the WPS Hide Login Plugin Settings
Follow these steps to access the WPS Hide Login plugin settings:
- Click on “Settings” in the left-hand menu.
- Click on “WPS Hide Login.”
How to Change Your WordPress Login URL with the WPS Hide Login Plugin
Follow these steps to change your WordPress login URL with the WPS Hide Login plugin:
- In the “Login URL” field, enter your new login URL.
- Click on “Save Changes.”
- Log out of WordPress.
Visit your new login URL to log in to your WordPress site.
Congratulations! You have successfully changed your WordPress login URL using the WPS Hide Login plugin. Your website is now more secure from unauthorized access.Step 4: Test Your New WordPress Login URL
After successfully changing your WordPress login URL, the next step is to test your new URL to ensure it’s working correctly. Here’s how:
How to Test Your New WordPress Login URL
- Open your browser and enter your new login URL in the address bar.
- If you are redirected to the login page, then your new URL is working correctly.
- Attempt to log in to your account using your usual credentials.
- If you are successfully logged in, then your URL change was successful.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
In some cases, you may encounter issues while trying to log in to your account after changing the WordPress login URL. Below are some common problems and their solutions:
- If you are unable to log in, ensure that you’ve entered the correct login URL.
- If you’ve forgotten your password, reset it by clicking “forgot password” on the login page.
- If you receive an error message after entering your credentials, check your website’s error logs or contact your web host’s support team for assistance.
Advanced Tips: Additional Security Measures to Consider
Changing your WordPress login URL is an essential step in securing your website, but there are additional measures you can take to further enhance your website’s security. Below are two advanced tips you can implement:
Two-Factor Authentication
Enabling two-factor authentication (2FA) provides an additional layer of security to your WordPress website. With 2FA, you’ll need to provide a second form of authentication after entering your password, such as a text message with a unique code. This measure ensures that even if your password is compromised, attackers won’t be able to log in to your account.
Limit Login Attempts
Limiting login attempts is another excellent way to secure your WordPress website. This feature restricts the number of login attempts that can be made to your website within a specific period. If someone tries to log in to your account unsuccessfully multiple times, their IP address will be blocked, preventing any further attempts.
Host Sonu Website Security
Host Sonu Website Security offers a range of features that are tailored to meet the unique needs of WordPress sites. It includes real-time malware scanning, which detects and removes any malicious code that may have infiltrated your website. Additionally, it provides a firewall that blocks unauthorized access and prevents brute force attacks.
It also offers a backup and restore feature, which ensures that your website data is safe and can be easily recovered in case of any unforeseen events. Furthermore, it provides a security audit log that tracks all activities on your website, allowing you to monitor and identify any suspicious behavior.
Conclusion: Your WordPress Login URL is Now More Secure!
Changing your WordPress login URL is a simple yet effective way to enhance your website’s security. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you’ve made it harder for attackers to gain access to your account. Remember to test your new URL and implement additional security measures like 2FA and limiting login attempts to further secure your website.
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About Sonu Prasad Gupta
Sonu Prasad Gupta is founder and CEO of SonuPrasadGupta.Com and Vektor Sigma. He specializes in website design, web development and SEO. For over 7 years he has been helping brands, businesses and entrepreneurs around the world succeed through leading edge technology and creative solutions that are accessible even to those who don’t have any technical and online marketing skills.