11 Common and Advanced WordPress Login Issues and How to Fix Them Easily
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Are you having problems signing into your WordPress site?
Maybe you forgot your password, or your browser is acting strangely. A new plugin might be causing trouble, or your theme might be the problem.
These issues can be a real pain, and many people face WordPress login issues every day.
Logging into WordPress should be easy, but it often isn’t. Problems with cookies, cache, or endless loops can stop you. Whether you’re new or experienced, it’s important to know how to fix these login problems.
Let’s look at some common WordPress login issues and find simple ways to solve them.
TL;DR: WordPress login issues can arise for various reasons. Maybe you forgot your password, there’s an issue with cookies, or plugins and themes are causing problems. To resolve this, tackle each issue individually. But, before making any changes, make sure to back up your site completely. This way, you’ll have a backup to rely on if anything goes wrong.
Common WordPress login issues
1. You have lost or forgotten your password
Forgetting your password is one of the very common WordPress login issues. It can happen to anyone, but don’t worry, it’s easy to fix.
Start by visiting the login page. You’ll see a link that says Lost your password? Click it and enter your email or username. WordPress will send you a link to reset your password. Follow the steps to create a new, strong password.

Sometimes this option doesn’t work. You might not receive the email or can’t access your email account. If that happens, you can use phpMyAdmin to reset your password.
phpMyAdmin helps you manage your site’s database. It is usually available in your hosting control panel. Open phpMyAdmin and choose your WordPress database. Look for the wp_users table and find your username, then click Edit.

You can update your password there. In the user_pass field, select MD5
from the dropdown, then type your new password in the adjacent box. Save the changes.

That’s it. You should now be able to log into your WordPress site with your new password.
2. You have cookie issues
Cookies are tiny files that help websites remember you. WordPress needs them to log you in. If cookies can’t be set, you might encounter WordPress login issues.
First, check your browser settings to ensure it allows cookies. If cookies are blocked, WordPress won’t be able to log you in.
To fix this, go to your browser’s settings and find the option to manage cookies. Allow your browser to set cookies.

If you’re worried about privacy, you can disable only third-party cookies. This way, WordPress can still set the necessary cookies for logging in, while other sites won’t track you as much.
After adjusting these settings, try logging into WordPress again. If cookies were the problem, this should fix it.
3. You have plugin issues
Plugins bring extra features to your WordPress site, but they can occasionally cause issues. When you install a plugin or update one, it changes system files. If a plugin is poorly coded or a bad update occurs, it can disrupt your login process.
Did you recently add or update a plugin? If so, it might be why you’re having login troubles. You can disable the plugin using FTP to see if that resolves the issue. Connect to your site with an FTP client like Filezilla. Navigate to the wp-content/plugins folder and find the plugin you suspect. Rename its folder to deactivate it.

Try logging in again. If you still can’t, disable all plugins. Use FTP to rename the entire plugins folder, which will deactivate everything.
If you’re able to log in now, a plugin was causing the problem. Turn your plugins back on one by one, checking after each to see if the login issue returns. This will help you find the troublesome plugin.
Once you’ve identified the culprit, consider replacing it with a different plugin. You can also report the issue to the developers so they can work on a fix.
4. You have theme issues
Themes give your WordPress site its unique look. But, like plugins, changing or updating a theme can sometimes lead to WordPress login issues. A new theme or an update might interfere with the login process. Unlike plugins, you can’t just disable all themes, as your site requires at least one active theme to function. If you suspect a theme is causing the issue, try switching to a default theme to see if it resolves the problem.
To make this change, you’ll need to use phpMyAdmin. Log in to your hosting control panel and open phpMyAdmin. Locate your WordPress database and go to the wp_options table.

In this table, find the rows named template and stylesheet. These rows indicate your active theme. Change their values to a default theme like twentytwentytwo
.

After you’ve changed these settings, try logging in again. If the theme was causing the issue, you should now be able to access your site. Once logged in, you can further investigate the issue or start searching for a new theme.
5. You need to clear your caches
Caches store small pieces of information to help your site load faster. But, over time, they can become outdated, which might cause WordPress login issues.
Begin by clearing your browser’s cache. This can quickly remove any old data that might be causing the issue. Go to your browser settings and find the option to clear the cache.

Besides your browser cache, clear other caches related to your website. If you have a caching plugin, access its settings to clear the cache. Also, if you use a CDN (Content Delivery Network), clear its cache too. Don’t forget about any server caching that might be in place.
Clearing WordPress caches ensures that your site loads the latest information. After clearing, try logging in again. This simple action can often resolve many WordPress login issues.
6. You have 2FA problems
Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) adds a strong layer of security to your WordPress login. But, its improper setup can lead to WordPress login issues.

First, make sure you set up 2FA with a reliable plugin and connect it to a trusted authenticator app. Apps like Google Authenticator or Authy are good options. If you’re having trouble signing in, try disconnecting and reconnecting your 2FA app. This can often resolve the issue.
If that doesn’t work, you may need to temporarily disable the 2FA plugin. Use FTP to connect to your site and navigate to the wp-content/plugins directory. Find the folder for your 2FA plugin, and rename it to deactivate it.
Try logging in again. If 2FA was the problem, you should be able to access your site now. You might want to switch to a different 2FA plugin, choosing one that is well-known for its compatibility with WordPress sites. This way, you’re less likely to face 2FA issues in the future.
7. You have the wrong user permissions
In WordPress, user permissions control how much access each user has. Different user roles come with different access levels. Sometimes, WordPress login issues occur if your user role doesn’t allow access.
If you’re unable to log in because of your role, contact the site admin. They can upgrade your role if your tasks need it.
If you accidentally changed your role, ask another admin to correct it for you. They can restore your proper role. Or, you can use phpMyAdmin to adjust your user role. Access phpMyAdmin and locate your WordPress database. Then, go to the wp_users and wp_usermeta tables to make the changes.
Occasionally, a hacker might alter your user role to block your access. Although serious, this can be resolved. In phpMyAdmin, create a new admin user role to regain site control.
Once you’re back in, perform a detailed security audit. Remove any suspicious users and fix vulnerabilities to help prevent future security threats to your site.
Advanced WordPress login issues
1. Your WordPress login is temporarily disabled
Sometimes, WordPress might temporarily disable the login page. This occurs when it suspects your site is facing a brute-force attack, and it locks the page to safeguard your site.
This lock could be triggered by an actual brute-force attack. It could also be caused by you or someone else trying to log in with the wrong credentials too many times.

When this happens, the login page is typically locked for about 15-20 minutes. Wait for this time to pass, then try logging in again. Be careful, though; if WordPress notices more incorrect attempts, it might lock you out again.
To avoid these problems, make sure you have your correct login details saved. Use a reliable security plugin that restricts login attempts. This helps protect against real attacks and reduces the risk and frustration of being temporarily locked out.
2. Your WordPress login is stuck in a redirect loop
When you try to log in but keep getting sent back to the login page, you’re caught in a WordPress login redirect loop.
This issue can have several causes. Malware might be affecting your site, or a plugin or theme might be at fault. Incorrect URL settings in WordPress can also lead to redirection issues.

First, scan your site for malware with a strong security tool like MalCare to eliminate any threats. Removing malware can often resolve the redirect loop.
Next, check your site’s settings. Look at the URL settings in the WordPress dashboard and ensure both the WordPress Address (URL) and Site Address (URL) are correct and matching.

Additionally, review your plugins and themes. Disable any that were recently updated or seem suspicious to see if they’re causing the loop.
3. Your WordPress site keeps logging you out
Imagine logging into your WordPress site only to be logged out repeatedly. This can be quite frustrating.
Several factors might cause this problem. Malware could be at play, repeatedly logging you out. Issues with cookies or browser settings might also contribute.

Start by scanning your site using a reliable security tool like MalCare to find and eliminate any malware. This often resolves the problem.
Then, check your cookies and browser settings. Make sure your browser is allowing cookies for WordPress. If not, adjust the settings to enable them.
Conduct a thorough audit of your site. Look for any suspicious user accounts that could be causing issues. Remove any users you don’t recognize or trust.
By following these steps, you can help ensure your WordPress login remains uninterrupted.
4. You changed your WordPress URL and now can’t log in
You might have heard about changing your login URL as a way to secure your WordPress site, and many guides suggest it. But, it’s crucial to understand that this is not a foolproof security measure. It’s a temporary fix that doesn’t guarantee complete protection.

Hackers can eventually figure out your new login URL. They might also use other methods, like exploiting XML-RPC, to target your site.
If you’ve changed your login URL and can’t access your site, switch back to the default login URL. This will allow you to log in and manage your site again.
Rather than relying on changing the URL for security, use a strong WordPress-specific firewall. A plugin like MalCare can defend against hackers, bots, and brute-force attacks. This robust security approach offers better protection for your site than simply changing the login URL.
5. You are locked out of your WordPress site
At times, you might be locked out of your WordPress site, unable to get in. This can happen for various reasons, such as password issues, plugin errors, or database problems.
The first step to regaining access is identifying the underlying cause. Check if it’s a password issue by using the password reset option. If you suspect plugins, use FTP to deactivate them and check if you can log in.
If you think the problem lies with the WordPress database, access it via phpMyAdmin. Look for any incorrect data or settings that might be affecting the login process.
Once you’ve identified the cause, address it step by step. This method will help you regain access to your site. With a bit of patience, you can resolve the issue and continue managing your WordPress site smoothly.
6. You can’t access wp-admin
The wp-admin area serves as the dashboard for your WordPress site, where you manage all aspects of it. If you can’t access wp-admin, several issues might be causing the problem.
Incorrect login details could be one reason. Double-check your username and password to make sure they’re correct.
Browser settings might also impact access. Ensure that cookies are enabled, as WordPress needs them for login.

Conflicts with plugins could block your access too. Use FTP to disable recent plugins to see if that resolves the issue.
File permissions and memory limits might also play a role. Verify your site’s file permissions to ensure wp-admin files are accessible. You might also need to increase your site’s memory limit by editing the wp-config.php file.
By examining these areas, you can identify and fix the issue. This can help you regain access to your WordPress dashboard.
Final thoughts
Handling WordPress login issues can be challenging, but solutions are always available. You might need to reset your password or adjust some database settings. Being aware of these common issues can help you prevent bigger problems down the line. By understanding the causes, you can fix them quickly and continue managing your site smoothly.
Before diving into solutions, make sure to perform a full site backup. This provides a safety net in case anything goes wrong. We recommend using BlogVault for this purpose. BlogVault creates automatic backups and securely stores them off-site. With its one-click restore feature, you can easily recover your site if any issues arise. These features help ensure your site remains secure, allowing you to focus on what’s most important to you.
FAQs
Why is my WordPress login not working?
There could be multiple reasons why your WordPress login isn’t working. Common issues include incorrect login credentials, problems with cookies, or plugin conflicts disrupting the login process. Security measures like two-factor authentication (2FA) could also malfunction. Another possibility is a caching issue that displays outdated login information. Other causes might be incorrect user roles, file permission errors, or malware affecting your site. To resolve this, verify your login details, ensure cookies are enabled, and consider deactivating plugins or themes if necessary. Scan for malware and check your database settings to fix the problem.
How do I fix a WordPress login loop?
To fix a WordPress login loop, start by clearing your browser cache and cookies. They might hold outdated data causing the issue. Next, disable plugins and themes using FTP to identify if one is causing the loop. Reactivate them one at a time, testing your login after each. Make sure your WordPress and Site Address URLs are correct in the settings. Use a security plugin to scan your site for malware and remove any harmful code. Following these steps should help you break the loop and regain access to your WordPress dashboard.
Why am I getting so many failed login attempts on WordPress?
Seeing several failed login attempts on WordPress could mean bots or hackers are trying to guess your password. This is a common tactic known as a brute-force attack. To make it harder for them, use strong, unique passwords and avoid easy-to-guess usernames. Put in place security measures like a plugin to limit login attempts, enable two-factor authentication, and use a WordPress-specific firewall. A tool like MalCare can assist with these tasks and more. Regularly checking and updating your site’s security settings is important to keep these threats at bay.
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