Create an admin user in the WordPress database manually

You can create a new WordPress admin user from within the database. Use this method if your original admin user was corrupted or deleted.

1. Log into phpMyAdmin (cPanel / Plesk / Managed WordPress). Note: If you’re using cPanel Hosting, you must select the database for your WordPress site in the left column before continuing to the next step.
2. In the left menu, select the wp_users table.
3. Select Insert.
4. Enter the following:
   
   ID: Any number that isn’t already used by another user
   user_login: Username for accessing the WordPress dashboard
   user_pass: Password for this user 
   
   Note: Make sure to select MD5 in the functions menu.
   
   user_nicename: The nickname for this user
   user_email: Email address for this user
   user_registered: Date and time this user was registered
   user_status: Set this to 0
   display_name: Name that will display for this user
   
5. Select Go.
6. Select the wp_usermeta table.
7. Select Insert.
8. Enter the following:
   user_id: Enter the ID from step 4
   meta_key: Enter wp_capabilities 
   
   Note: For Managed WordPress accounts or custom database table prefixes, include the prefix (e.g. wp_coolPrefix_capabilities).
   
   meta_value: Enter the following: a:1:{s:13:”administrator”;s:1:”1″;}
   
9. Select Go.
10. Select the Insert tab again.
11. Enter the following:
    user_id: Enter the ID from step 4
    meta_key: Enter wp_user_level 
    
    Note: For Managed WordPress accounts or custom database table prefixes, include the prefix (e.g. wp_coolPrefix_user_level).
    
    meta_value: Enter the number 10
    
12. Select Go.

The admin user is now ready to log n with their username and password.

More Info

• Return to Unable to log into WordPress.