Changing the Default WordPress Admin Username

When you set up your Wordpress blog you are given the defult username “Admin” as your login name.  You’re probably aware that this is considered a security risk as hackers then only have to crack one piece of information (your password) to get into your account.

Ok, I admit that even though I have a web design qualification I know pretty much nothing about security etc so being the slack tech girl I am I left mine as “Admin”. Right up until the other day when the blog stats package I use (WassUp) showed up with a “possible hacker” visit.

Arrghhh .. wake up call!

There are a few ways around this but what I did was change it directly in the backend database. Some people get nervous playing around in database tables etc so if that’s you, then you’re probably better to use the WordPress Admin Panel to change it. Instructions for that can be found here.

But if you’re ready to get down and dirty in the WordPress databases read on …

1. Log into your hosting account (cPanel etc)

2. Find the MySQL tool (mine is phpMyAdmin) and log in

3. Click on the database for your blog (on left hand side in phpMyAdmin)

4. Find the wp_users table

5. Find the ‘admin‘ user and click the edit pencil graphic

6. Locate the user_login row and change ‘admin‘ to your preferred WordPress login name

7. Click ‘Go’

All done

If you aren’t confident playing around in the database you can also create a new user with ‘administrator’ rights, then read on to find out how to change the Admin name using the WordPress Admin Panel.