WordPress Login URL: How To Find, Protect & Change It

This tutorial covers the WordPress Login URL and how to find, protect and change it for absolute site security. If you run a WordPress site, knowing how to access the admin area is a must. This is where you do everything, from creating new posts and installing plugins to tweaking your website’s design and managing settings. But what if you can’t find the login page? That’s a common issue for many WordPress users, especially beginners.

Maybe you just installed WordPress and can’t remember the login link. Or perhaps your site is in a subdirectory or subdomain, and the URL isn’t what you expected. Even experienced users can forget the login URL, especially if they have customized it for security reasons.

This guide explains simple ways to locate your WordPress login URL. We’ll go over the default login paths, how to find the login link for subdirectories and subdomains, and a few tricks for quick access. Plus, we’ll share some security tips on how to change the login URL to keep your site safe.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• The default WordPress login URL is usually /wp-login.php or /wp-admin.
• Subdirectory and subdomain installations require specific login paths.
• Bookmark the login URL for quick access.
• Plugins, such as WPS Hide Login, let you customize the login path for added security.
• If the login URL changes, use cPanel or FTP to locate and restore it.
• Notify other admins of any login URL updates to prevent lockouts.

Understand WordPress Login URL

WordPress makes it easy to access your admin area with a few default login URLs. These URLs are set up when you install WordPress, and they work for most standard installations.

Here are the 4 main WordPress default logins:

1. /wp-login.php: This is the primary login URL. You will see the login page where you enter your username and password, when you type:

www.yourdomain.com/wp-login.php

2. /wp-admin: This link usually redirects to the login page if you’re not logged in. If you’re already logged in, it takes you straight to the WordPress Admin Dashboard.

3. /login: Some themes or plugins may set this as a shortcut to the main login page. If you use this, it will redirect you to the /wp-login.php link. However, it may not work on every WordPress site unless configured.

4. /admin: Much like /wp-admin, this URL may redirect to the login page or dashboard, depending on whether you’re logged in or not.

Now, the point is how these URLs work and redirect, find this out below:

Each of these URLs plays a specific role in accessing your WordPress site. When you enter /wp-login.php, WordPress checks if you’re logged in. If not, it displays the login form for authentication.

If you enter /wp-admin directly without being logged in, it will first redirect you to /wp-login.php. Once you successfully log in, it automatically redirects back to /wp-admin, where you can access the WordPress dashboard to manage your site.

However, these default behaviors can be altered by plugins or custom configurations. For example, security plugins often allow you to change the default login URL (e.g., from /wp-login.php to a custom path like /my-login) to prevent brute-force attacks. If such a plugin is active, the standard WordPress login URLs may no longer work, and you’ll need to use the modified URL instead.

Understanding these login URLs and how they redirect ensures you can always find your way to the WordPress dashboard, even if the default paths change.

Three Ways to Find WordPress Login URL

In this section, we show you how to find the login URL on a standard WordPress installation, subdirectory, and subdomain. Let’s begin.

Access Login URL on a Standard Installation

Finding the WordPress admin login URL on a standard WordPress installation is simple. By default, WordPress uses specific URLs to access the login page. Here’s how you can do it:

Start by opening any web browser (Chrome, Firefox, Edge, etc.). In the address bar, type:

www.yourdomain.com/wp-login.php
or
www.yourdomain.com/login

Ensure you replace yourdomain.com with your actual domain name.

Then, press Enter to load the page.

If the URL is correct, you’ll see the WordPress login screen asking for your username and password. Fill in the details and click Log In.

You can also check Remember Me on the WordPress login page. It keeps you logged in for several days without needing to sign in again, depending on your cookie settings.

However, avoid using Remember Me on shared or public computers. If someone else gets access to your device, they could access your admin area without a password. So, if you must use a shared or public computer for some reason, ensure you log out manually from the dashboard to clear the cookie.

Now, if the /wp-login.php link doesn’t work or you can’t remember it, try accessing the wp-admin login URL as follows:

www.yourdomain.com/wp-admin
or
www.yourdomain.com/admin

As we discussed, if you’re not logged in, this URL will redirect you to the login page (/wp-login.php). Once logged in, it will redirect you back to /wp-admin. However, if you’re already logged in, it will take you straight to the WordPress dashboard.

Now, there are some error scenarios. If you see a 404 error, the WordPress login URL might have been changed using a security plugin that you’re using. However, if you get a 403 Forbidden error, your hosting provider may have restricted access.

And, if the page keeps refreshing or showing a blank screen, it could indicate a plugin conflict or corrupted files.

Find WordPress Login URL on a Subdirectory Installation

If a WordPress site is installed in a subdirectory, the login URL is slightly different from the standard URL. A subdirectory is a folder within your main domain, such as:

www.yourdomain.com/wordpress/

This setup is common for testing sites, blog sections, or multiple WordPress installs under one domain.

To access the login URL in a subdirectory, type the full path to the login page:

www.yourdomain.com/wordpress/wp-login.php

If you prefer, you can also use:

www.yourdomain.com/wordpress/wp-admin

Both URLs will take you to the same login screen where you must enter your username and password.

Access Login URL on a Subdomain Installation

A subdomain is different from a subdirectory. Instead of being a folder within the main domain, it’s a separate section of your site with a specific URL, like:

blog.yourdomain.com

Subdomains are great for running standalone sections, such as blogs, forums, or stores.

To locate the WordPress login URL in a subdomain, open your browser and type the full login URL:

blog.yourdomain.com/wp-login.php

Or use the admin path:

blog.yourdomain.com/wp-admin

Just like in a standard or subdirectory installation, /wp-admin will redirect you to /wp-login.php if you are not logged in. Once you enter your credentials, it will redirect you to /wp-admin, allowing you to access the subdomain’s dashboard.

Understanding these URL structures ensures you can always find your WordPress login page, whether it’s installed in a subdomain or a subdirectory. This keeps you in control of your content, regardless of how your WordPress setup is structured.

But finding your WordPress login page every time you want to access the dashboard can get tiring, especially if you have multiple sites. In this case, bookmarking the login URL is a simple way to save time and avoid repeatedly typing the link. With just one click, you can directly jump to the login page without searching or typing.

Why & How to Protect WordPress Login URL

Accessing the WordPress login page is a straightforward but essential step. If your site is running smoothly without any issues, all you need is your email address or username and password to get access to the WordPress dashboard.

However, with cyber threats on the rise, your site could easily become a target for malicious attacks.

So, what can you do to protect it? There are 2 things you can do:

1. Change WordPress Login URL (hide default login link).
2. Limit Login Attempts.

Let’s learn each of them below.

Change WordPress Login URL

As already said, the default WordPress login URL (/wp-login.php) is well-known and easy for attackers to guess. Hackers often use automated tools to attempt thousands of login combinations, known as brute-force attacks.

One effective way to discourage these attacks is to change the login URL to something less predictable. This simple step can significantly reduce unauthorized login attempts and protect your site from many automated bots that scan for the default login URL.

You can change the login URL using the WPS Hide Login Plugin.

Use WPS Hide Login Plugin

This is one of the easiest ways to change the login URL in WordPress. It’s lightweight, user-friendly, and doesn’t require any coding skills. Here’s how to use it:

Go to WordPress Dashboard → Plugins → Add New to install and activate the WPS Hide Login plugin. The process is the same as installing any plugin on your WordPress site.

After downloading and activating the plugin, follow these steps:

1. Go to WordPress Dashboard → Settings → WPS Hide Login.
2. Enter the new login URL path in the Login url field. Don’t use easily guessable URLs like /admin-login or /secure. Make it unique but memorable.
3. Specify a redirect URL in the Redirection url field. This page will appear when someone tries to access the default wp-login.php or wp-admin while logged out.
4. Lastly, click Save Changes to apply the settings.

Here’s how it appears:

Note: If you deactivate WPS Hide Login, the login URL will revert to the default /wp-login.php.

Limit Login Attempts in WordPress

Another effective way to protect your site is by limiting login attempts. This method stops attackers from guessing your login credentials repeatedly. It’s especially useful for websites with multiple users or guest contributors.

This section covers how to use the Limit Login Attempts Reloaded plugin to limit login attempts and the best practices for configuring settings.

After installing and activating this plugin, go to Limit Login Attempts → Settings. Here, you need to set:

• Allowed Retries: Set the number of login attempts permitted before the user is temporarily blocked. The recommended value is 4 to 6 attempts.
• Minutes Lockout: Define how long the IP will be blocked after exceeding the retry limit. Recommended duration is 20 to 30 minutes.
• Lockouts Increase: Increase the lockout period for repeated offenses. Here, recommended settings are 1 day after 4 lockouts.
• Hours Until Retries: Set how long before the retry count is reset. We recommend 24 hours.

If you scroll down, you can enable email notifications to receive alerts when an IP gets blocked. Here, you enter your admin email to stay updated on potential threats.

Enable GDPR compliance if you’re operating in regions where data protection regulations apply.

Additionally, you can also customize the message shown to users who exceed the login limit. For example, Too many failed login attempts. Please try again later.

After completing the plugin configuration, click Save Settings.

Now, to test the configuration, log out of your WordPress dashboard. Try entering an incorrect password several times to see if the plugin blocks you. Once blocked, you should receive an email notification if you enabled it.

You can also visit the Limit Login Attempts → Logs section in the plugin settings to view total lockouts. Here, you can also see whitelist or blacklist IPs. However, if you wish to reset all lockouts, click Reset Counter to clear the blocklist and allow all IPs to attempt login again.

PRO TIPS:

• Setting the retry limit too low may block legitimate users. So, use it with caution.
• Keep the plugin updated to protect against vulnerabilities.
• Use a firewall or security plugin to add another layer of protection.
• Consider using Google reCAPTCHA with the plugin for added security.

Fix Common Issues with WordPress Login URL

Logging into your WordPress site should be a simple task, but it doesn’t always go as planned. You may encounter issues related to your password or browser cookies that prevent you from accessing the admin area. Here, we discuss the most common login problems and provide step-by-step solutions to resolve them.

If you’re having trouble logging in, the first step is to verify that you’re entering the correct username and password. If you’re sure the information is correct but still can’t log in, you may need to reset your password. To do that, you can follow one of the following methods:

Reset Password Using the WordPress Login Page

Go to the WordPress login page and click the Lost your password? link. The link is located right below the login form.

Write your username or email and click Get New Password. A new password reset link will be sent to your registered email address.

Click the link in the email and set a new, strong password.

Reset Password via phpMyAdmin

If the email method doesn’t work or you can’t access the email account, you can reset the password through phpMyAdmin. However, ensure you back up your database before proceeding. Once done, follow the steps given below:

Login to cPanel and click phpMyAdmin under the Databases section.

In the left menu, click your WordPress database. Then, locate the wp_users table and click it. Remember, the table prefix can change. For example, in our example, the same table is named wpl1_users.

After opening the wp_users table, click Edit next to the user whose password needs resetting.

Now, find the user_pass field. Enter the new password in the user_pass field. From the function dropdown, select MD5 to encrypt the password.

Finally, scroll down a little and click Go to save changes.

Reset Password with SSH

If you have Secure Shell (SSH) access to your site, you can use Windows Command Prompt (or Terminal if using Linux OS) to reset the password. Here’s how:

1. Type ssh your-username@your-server-ip -p your-port-number (ensure you replace placeholders).
2. Enter SSH password.
3. Use cd public_html to navigate to the WordPress installation directory.
4. Run the wp user list to list all users.
5. Then, execute wp user update 1 –user_pass=newpasswordhere to update the password for the specified user ID. Here, replace 1 with the user ID and newpasswordhere with the desired password.

Then, test the new password by logging in.

Cookies Problem

If you see an error saying Cookies are blocked or not supported by your browser. You must enable cookies to use WordPress; this indicates that your browser is not allowing cookies or there is a misconfiguration.

Remember, WordPress relies on cookies for its login functionality. If cookies are turned off or not functioning properly, you may experience issues accessing the login page. The first step is to ensure that cookies are enabled in your browser.

This issue is common on WordPress sites that have recently been migrated or are part of a Multisite network. Sometimes, simply refreshing the browser or logging in through an incognito window can resolve the problem. Additionally, clearing the browser cache can also help.

If these steps don’t work, add the following line to the public_html/wp-config.php file right before the /* That’s all, stop editing!… */ line:

define('COOKIE_DOMAIN', false);

If you’re unsure about making these changes, consider reaching out to your WordPress hosting provider for assistance.

FAQS

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