Knowledgebase

Resetting Your WordPress Password via phpMyAdmin (Firstserv Guide)

Losing access to your WordPress site can be stressful—especially if it’s due to a security issue—but don’t worry. You can reset your password directly through your database using phpMyAdmin.

⚠️ Important: This method involves editing your database. If you’re unsure, we recommend contacting a developer or the Firstserv support team before proceeding.

Step 1: Find Your Database Name

If you host multiple websites, you’ll first need to identify which database your site uses.

Steps:

1. Log in to cPanel
2. Go to Domains → Domains
3. Locate your website domain and open its document root (usually /public_html)
4. Find the file named wp-config.php
5. Right-click and select Edit

Look for this line:

✅ Make a note of the database name.

Step 2: Open phpMyAdmin

1. In cPanel, go to Databases → phpMyAdmin
2. In the left-hand sidebar, select your database

You will now see a list of tables.

Step 3: Locate the Users Table

• Find the table ending in _users (commonly wp_users)

⚠️ The prefix (e.g. wp_) may vary depending on your setup.

Step 4: Edit the User Password

1. Open the _users table
2. Locate the user account you want to update (by email or username)
3. Click Edit next to that user

Step 5: Set a New Password

1. Find the field called user_pass
2. Enter your new password in plain text
3. In the Function dropdown next to it, select MD5

Step 6: Save Changes

• Click Go to save the update

✅ Your password will now be reset.

Step 7: Log In

You should now be able to log in to your WordPress dashboard using the updated password.

Important Notes

• WordPress will automatically re-hash the password after your first login
• Always choose a strong, unique password
• If your site was compromised, also:
  • Update all admin passwords
  • Check for unknown users
  • Update plugins, themes, and WordPress

Summary

To reset your WordPress password via phpMyAdmin:

1. Find your database name in wp-config.php
2. Open phpMyAdmin and select the correct database
3. Edit the _users table
4. Update the user_pass field using MD5
5. Save and log back in

If you need help recovering access or securing your site after a lockout, the Firstserv support team is always available to assist.