Tag: WP-Admin

Change WordPress Admin Login URL (Pros/Cons & Safe Method)

By default, WordPress admin login pages are accessed via /wp-login.php or /wp-admin/. This common URL is a frequent target for brute force attacks and automated bots. Changing your WordPress login URL can improve security by obscurity, but it must be done carefully to avoid locking yourself out or breaking your site.

This guide explains how to change WordPress login URL safely, the pros and cons of doing so, and provides step-by-step instructions to implement the change without causing issues.

Quick Fix: Change WordPress Login URL Safely

1. Backup your WordPress site and database.
2. Install a trusted plugin like WPS Hide Login or iThemes Security.
3. Configure the plugin to set a custom login URL (e.g., /my-login).
4. Save changes and test the new login URL in a private/incognito browser.
5. Bookmark the new login URL and avoid using the default /wp-login.php.

Why Change the WordPress Login URL?

• Reduce brute force attacks: Bots often target the default login URL to guess passwords.
• Hide login page from casual attackers: Changing the URL adds a layer of obscurity.
• Lower server load: Fewer login attempts on the default URL reduce resource usage.

However, changing the login URL is not a foolproof security solution. It should be combined with strong passwords, two-factor authentication, and other security best practices.

Pros and Cons of Changing the WordPress Login URL

Pros	Cons
Reduces automated login attempts and brute force attacks.	If misconfigured, you may lock yourself out of the admin area.
Improves security by obscurity.	Some plugins or themes might rely on default login URLs and break.
Decreases server load caused by repeated login requests.	Requires remembering or bookmarking the new login URL.

Step-by-Step: How to Change WordPress Login URL Safely

Follow these steps to safely change your WordPress login URL using a plugin. This method avoids editing core files or .htaccess rules, which can cause errors.

1. Backup Your Site
   Before making any changes, backup your WordPress files and database using your hosting control panel or a plugin like UpdraftPlus.
2. Install the WPS Hide Login Plugin
   Navigate to Plugins > Add New in your WordPress dashboard. Search for WPS Hide Login, install, and activate it.
3. Configure the New Login URL
   Go to Settings > WPS Hide Login. Enter your desired login slug, for example my-login, in the Login URL field.

   my-login

   The logout and redirect URLs will update automatically.

4. Save Changes
   Click Save Changes at the bottom of the page.
5. Test the New Login URL
   Open a private or incognito browser window and visit https://yourdomain.com/my-login. Confirm you can access the login page.
6. Do Not Use Default URLs
   Attempting to access /wp-login.php or /wp-admin/ will now redirect or show a 404 error, depending on plugin settings.

Verification: Confirm Your Login URL Change Works

• Try logging in with the new URL from different browsers and devices.
• Ensure you can log out and log back in without issues.
• Check that no plugins or themes break due to the URL change.
• Verify your security plugins or firewall rules do not block the new login URL.

If you encounter problems, disable the plugin via FTP or your hosting file manager by renaming its folder in /wp-content/plugins/ to regain access.

Works On

• Web servers: Apache, Nginx, LiteSpeed
• Hosting control panels: cPanel, Plesk, DirectAdmin
• WordPress versions: 4.9 and above (tested with latest versions)
• Compatible with most themes and plugins that do not hardcode login URLs

FAQ

Q: Can I change the login URL manually without a plugin?

A: It is possible but not recommended. Manual changes involve editing core files or .htaccess rules, which can cause errors and are overwritten during updates.

Q: Will changing the login URL improve my site’s security?

Changing the login URL adds a layer of obscurity and reduces automated attacks, but it should be combined with strong passwords, two-factor authentication, and security plugins.

Q: What if I forget the new login URL?

If you forget the custom login URL, you can disable the plugin via FTP by renaming its folder in /wp-content/plugins/. This restores the default login URLs.

Q: Does changing the login URL affect WooCommerce or other plugins?

Most plugins, including WooCommerce, do not rely on the login URL and will continue working normally. However, test your site after the change to ensure compatibility.

Q: Can I use security plugins to change the login URL?

Yes, many security plugins like iThemes Security and All In One WP Security offer login URL changing features with additional security options.

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