How to Change Your WordPress Username

Data breaches are common these days, which means users need to make their online safety a priority. This includes changing your WordPress username regularly to reduce the chances of any unauthorized access. In addition to changing it for security reasons, you may also want to change your username to refresh your online identity.

This guide provides a detailed guide on securely changing your WordPress username.

Back-Up Your Website

It is vital to back up your website before changing the WordPress database. This allows you to recover your site if changing usernames goes wrong.

Here are a couple of ways that you can go about backing up a WordPress site:

• Backups through your WordPress web host. Many hosts like Bluehost, HostGator, and SiteGround offer backup services through cPanel or automated backups.
• Use an UpdraftPlus plugin, which can schedule regular backups and restores.
• Manually save WordPress database and files. The wp-content folder is downloadable, while the database can be exported in phpMyAdmin.
• Use BlogVault, which offers automated backups.

How to Change Your WordPress Username

Using cPanel

Changing your WordPress username is important for security reasons. For security, changing your default admin username to be unique and less guessable is recommended to protect against potential attackers gaining unauthorized access.

1. Open your cPanel under Databases, find phpMyAdmin, and click Enter phpMyAdmin (it may be worded differently in your control panel) for your website.
   
2. In the database, click on the wp_users table.
   
3. Go to the user_login column, find your user account name underneath it, then click Edit.
   
4. On the user_login row, write your new username inside the Value box. You can also change the user_nicename and display name to look like the new username.
   
5. Scroll down and save changes by pressing the Go button.
   

Using Easy Username Updater Plugin

A less technical way to update your username is by using plugins. There are a few options. Here, we are using the Easy Username Updater plugin.

1. Log into your WordPress dashboard.
2. Hover Plugins and click Add New Plugin.
   
3. Search for Easy Username Updater and click its Install Now button.
4. Click the plugin’s Activate option.
   
5. Hover User on the left pane, then click Usename Updater.
   
6. Under the Update column, click update for the username you need to change.
   
7. Input the new username and click the Update Username button.
   

Change Your Username Regularly

If you want to ensure the security of your site, you should change your WordPress username occasionally. It is a fast and straightforward process that will make it harder for unauthorized persons to enter your site. In addition, it also helps if you are rebranding, changing site ownership, or want to add another layer of security.

Use best practices in creating a unique username. It’s also crucial to avoid losing data by backing up your site before making any changes.

Next, you might want to learn how to use Code Blocks in WordPress.

FAQs

Related Posts

How to Change Your Username on Fortnite How to Change Your Username and Display Name on Twitter from Any Device How to Change Your Username on TikTok How to Change Your Username in Snapchat How to Change Your Username on Instagram How to Change Your Username on Reddit How To Change Your Overwatch Username WordPress: How to Change Font