How to Change Your WordPress Username

Usernames actually can’t be changed in WordPress.

Method 1: Create a New User and Delete the Old One

1. Log in to WordPress Dashboard
2. Go to Users → Add New
3. Create a new user with the username you want
4. Set the role to Administrator
5. Log out
6. Log back in with the new username
7. Go to Users → All Users
8. Delete the old username, When asked, choose “Attribute all content to” the new user
9. Your username is effectively changed.

Method 2: WordPress Plugins

Here are some WordPress plugins you can use to change usernames

• Username Changer has 30,000+ active installations.

• Easy Username Updater has 10,000+ active installations.

You can find many more options by searching for “username” in the WordPress plugin directory.

These plugins are intended for one-time use.

After completing the username update, uninstall the plugin to maintain a lean and secure WordPress environment.

Method 3: Change Username via Database (Advanced)

Before making any changes, you need to figure out which database management tool you’re using (for example, Adminer or phpMyAdmin).

Database Manager – WP Adminer, developed by Pexle Chris, is a reliable plugin that lets you access Adminer directly from the WordPress admin area, making it easier to manage the database without leaving WordPress.

• The plugin bundles Adminer as a PHP file
• You don’t need Adminer on your server already
• It adds an access link inside the WordPress admin dashboard
• It connects using your existing wp-config.php database credentials

If you use it, remove once you are done making changes to the database.

Run this SELECT first:

SELECT ID, user_login, user_email
FROM wp_users
WHERE user_login = 'old_username';

If this returns exactly one row, your UPDATE will affect only that user.

This will update the username:

UPDATE wp_users
SET user_login = 'new_username'
WHERE user_login = 'old_username';

Usernames should be written in lowercase only, using letters, numbers, and underscores as needed.

Spaces should not be used, since they can cause problems with logins, URLs, plugins, and integrations.

Extra Secure Username

1. Don’t Use Obvious or Default Usernames

Avoid:

• admin
• administrator
• Your site name
• Your real name or email address

These are the first usernames attackers try in brute-force attacks.

2. Let the Password Manager Do the Remembering

When you use a password manager:

• You don’t need a memorable username
• You can safely use a random or semi-random username
• Autofill removes usability concerns

The username becomes part of your security, not convenience.

This is a good example of a hard-to-guess username.

 y4&d65w#%mSLta#7#Hh5