Skip To Section
Being locked out of WordPress is unsettling — especially when your website is part of how you earn a living.
The good news is that most WordPress login issues are fixable. The bad news is that some well-meaning “quick fixes” can make things much worse.
This guide walks you through the safe, calm steps to regain access — and helps you recognise when it’s time to stop and get help.
First: Understand Why You’re Locked Out
Before changing anything, it helps to know what usually causes WordPress login problems.
Incorrect Login Details or Lost Password
This sounds obvious, but it’s the most common cause.
- Wrong username (not your email)
- Old password saved in a browser
- Password reset emails not arriving
If the password reset email never arrives, the issue may not be WordPress at all — it’s often email delivery or hosting configuration.
Plugin or Theme Conflicts
A plugin or theme update can break the login process, causing:
- Redirect loops
- Blank login pages
- “Too many redirects” errors
Security plugins are frequent culprits here.
Security Lockouts or IP Bans
Security tools can block access after:
- Multiple failed login attempts
- A perceived suspicious IP
- A firewall rule gone wrong
From WordPress’s point of view, you’re locked out — even if everything else is working.
Safe Ways to Regain Access (in Order)
Work through these steps one at a time. If something feels unfamiliar or risky, stop.
1. Try the Standard Password Reset
Go to:
yoursite.com/wp-login.phpClick “Lost your password?” and request a reset.
If the email arrives, great.
If it doesn’t, don’t keep retrying — that often triggers security blocks.
2. Disable Plugins Temporarily (Safe Method)
If you have hosting access (cPanel, Plesk, or File Manager):
- Open File Manager
- Navigate to
/wp-content/ - Rename the
pluginsfolder toplugins-disabled
This disables all plugins without deleting anything.
Now try logging in again.
- If login works, rename the folder back to
plugins - Reactivate plugins one by one to find the offender
This is safe and reversible.
3. Check for Security Plugin Lockouts
If you use a security plugin:
- Look for IP allowlist / whitelist options in your hosting firewall
- Temporarily disable the plugin via File Manager if needed
- Avoid uninstalling unless you’re confident restoring it
Security tools protect your site — but they can also lock out legitimate owners.
4. Reset Access via Hosting (Advanced)
If email resets fail and plugins aren’t the issue, access can be restored via:
- Hosting user manager
- phpMyAdmin (database access)
- Temporary admin creation
This is effective, but easy to get wrong if you’re unfamiliar with databases or PHP.
If you’re unsure at this point, stop here.
When to Involve a Professional
You should consider help if:
- You can’t access hosting or the database
- Security tools are blocking everything
- You’re unsure what caused the lockout
- The site is live and customers are affected
At this stage, guessing usually costs more time (and money) than fixing it properly.
If your lockout is part of a larger issue, you may also find this useful:
Emergency Website Rescue: What to Do When Your Site Breaks
Preventing Future Lockouts
Once you’re back in, a few simple steps reduce the chances of this happening again.
Use a Password Manager
Strong, unique passwords — without needing to remember them.
Enable Two-factor Authentication (2FA)
Adds protection without relying solely on passwords.
Keep Plugins and Themes Tidy
- Remove unused plugins
- Update regularly
- Avoid overlapping security tools
Keep access details somewhere safe
Hosting logins, WordPress admin details, and domain access should be retrievable — even if your email is down.
What Not to Do
These are the mistakes that most often turn a small issue into a full site rescue:
- Don’t delete core WordPress files
- Don’t delete database tables (especially
wp_users) - Don’t install random “unlock” scripts from forums
- Don’t permanently disable security without understanding why
If you’re unsure, pause.
Still locked out?
If you’ve tried the safe steps above and still can’t get in, this is exactly what Website Rescue is for.
I’ll diagnose the cause, restore access, and explain what happened — calmly, without jargon, and without making things worse.
You’re welcome to get in touch and ask questions first. No pressure, no panic.
Frequently Asked Questions
his often happens due to plugin conflicts, security lockouts, or cached login sessions. It’s also common after updates or failed login attempts that trigger security rules.
Usually this isn’t a WordPress issue — it’s an email delivery or hosting configuration problem. If emails aren’t being sent reliably, password resets won’t work no matter how many times you try.
Yes. Security plugins, caching plugins, and even page builders can interfere with login access. This is why disabling plugins temporarily via File Manager is often the safest diagnostic step.
Yes — renaming the plugins folder is safe and reversible. It doesn’t delete anything and won’t damage your site if done correctly.
WordPress itself doesn’t block IPs, but security plugins and hosting firewalls do. This can happen after repeated login attempts or false positives.
Only if you’re confident and know exactly what you’re doing. Editing user tables incorrectly is one of the fastest ways to cause permanent access or data problems.