It is helpful security measure that allows to make your WordPress admin URL less vulnerable to hackers and other users. While plugins are another solution, some would rather do it manually to eliminate any probable problems or dependencies. This article will explain to you how to change your WP admin URL so that your site can remain safe and free from bloats from plugins. Read on The All in One WordPress Security Guide (Step-by-Step) in 2024.
Table of Contents
Why Change Your WordPress Admin URL?
By design, the WordPress admin URL is shared knowledge and is vulnerable to being attacked by hackers through brute force. There are two benefits that come with changing the admin URL, which is increasing the level of security so that only people with the URL will access your website. Still, one should bear in mind that this is not about the strong protection as much as it is about the masking. It should be a part of overall security strategy, which includes the use of good passwords, protection with two-factor authentication, and timely updates.
How to Change Your WP Admin URL Manually
It is generally recommended to edit the WordPress core files especially the wp-login.php files when changing your WordPress admin URL by hand. This is actually quite easy, yet one needs to be careful not to mess up the site that is being worked on.
Step 1: Backup Your Site
Before making any changes, ensure you have a complete backup of your site. This includes your database and all files, especially the wp-login.php file. This backup will be crucial if anything goes wrong during the process.
Step 2: Rename the wp-login.php File
Locate the wp-login.php file in your WordPress installation directory. Rename this file to something unique, such as my-login.php. This new name will be your new admin URL. For instance, if your site is example.com, your new admin URL will be example.com/my-login.php.
Step 3: Update References in the Code
After renaming the file, you’ll need to update all instances of wp-login.php in your WordPress files. This step ensures that your site redirects to the correct login page.
- Find and Replace: Open the renamed
my-login.phpfile and perform a search forwp-login.php. Replace every instance withmy-login.php. - Functions.php Updates: Navigate to your theme’s
functions.phpfile. Add code to redirect the logout and lost password URLs to your new admin URL.
add_filter('logout_url', 'my_logout_page', 10, 2);
function my_logout_page($logout_url) {
return home_url('/my-login.php');
}
add_filter('lostpassword_url', 'my_lost_password_page', 10, 2);
function my_lost_password_page($lostpassword_url) {
return home_url('/my-login.php?action=lostpassword');
}This code ensures that the logout and lost password functions redirect correctly to your new admin URL.
Step 4: Update the .htaccess File (Optional)
For added security, you can update your .htaccess file to block access to the old wp-login.php file or redirect it to your new login page.
RewriteRule ^wp-login.php$ https://example.com/my-login.php [NC,L]This rule ensures that any attempts to access the old URL will be redirected to the new one.
Step 5: Test Your New Admin URL
Once you’ve made all the changes, it’s time to test your new admin URL. Navigate to your new login page (e.g., example.com/my-login.php) and ensure it functions correctly. Also, test logging out and recovering a password to confirm everything is working as expected.
Step 6: Delete the Old wp-login.php File
After confirming that everything is working correctly, delete the original wp-login.php file from your server. This step is crucial to prevent anyone from accessing your site through the old URL.
Considerations and Potential Issues
While changing your WordPress admin URL adds a layer of security, it’s not foolproof. Here are some considerations:
- Theme and Plugin Compatibility: Some themes or plugins might hard-code the login URL, which could cause issues after changing the admin URL. Always test thoroughly after making changes.
- Remember the New URL: Ensure you remember your new admin URL. If you forget it, you may need to revert to the original
wp-login.phpfile or access your site via FTP to correct the changes. - Security Through Obscurity: Changing your admin URL should not be your only security measure. It’s essential to combine it with other security practices like using strong passwords, enabling two-factor authentication, and regularly updating WordPress.
FAQs
How do I revert to the original WordPress login URL if something goes wrong?
If something goes wrong, you can revert to the original login URL by renaming the my-login.php file back to wp-login.php. Ensure all code references are also reverted to avoid any conflicts.
Will changing the WP admin URL affect my SEO?
The WP admin URL is not relevant to the success of your website’s SEO because it is an internal URL and does not directly relate to the content people can search.
Can I change the WP admin URL without affecting plugins and themes?
In most cases, yes. However, some plugins or themes may have hard-coded references to wp-login.php, which could cause compatibility issues. Always test your site thoroughly after making changes.
Is it better to use a plugin or change the URL manually?
Both methods have their pros and cons. Plugins are easier and often safer for non-technical users, while manual changes offer more control but come with higher risks.
What are the risks of changing the WP admin URL?
The main risks include breaking site functionality if done incorrectly, forgetting the new URL, or causing conflicts with themes or plugins. Always back up your site before making changes.
How often should I change my WP admin URL?
There’s no need to change your WP admin URL regularly. Once set, it should be sufficient as part of your overall security strategy. Focus on other security measures like regular updates and strong password policies.
Conclusion
While many users prefer using plugins, changing the WordPress admin URL manually still remains practical for many. While this approach may take more time and effort to implement and requires a certain level of technical prowess, this approach offers the flexibility to protect your site as intended. This is only one dimension of WordPress security as you will see in the following chapter. It is recommended to use it along with other effective security measures to prevent your site from being hacked into.
