How to Regain Access to WordPress Admin: Troubleshooting Guide

If you find yourself locked out of your WordPress admin after making changes and feeling like a novice, fear not—there are steps you can take to regain access without resorting to rebuilding the entire website. Follow this guide to troubleshoot and resolve the issue.

Step 1: Check Your Login Credentials

Double-check the username and password provided to you. Ensure there are no typos or case-sensitive errors. If uncertain, ask the nonprofit for the correct credentials.

Step 2: Reset Password via Forgot Password Link

1. On the login page, click “Lost your password?”
2. Enter the username or email associated with the admin account.
3. Follow the instructions sent to your email to reset the password.

Step 3: Disable Plugins

1. Access your website files via FTP or cPanel.
2. Navigate to /wp-content/plugins/.
3. Rename the “plugins” folder to “plugins_deactivated.”
4. Attempt to log in. If successful, rename the folder back to “plugins” and reactivate plugins one by one to identify the problematic one.

Step 4: Check Theme Issues

1. Access your website files and navigate to /wp-content/themes/.
2. Rename the current theme folder to something else.
3. This will activate the default WordPress theme.
4. Try logging in. If successful, the theme might be causing the issue. Consider updating or replacing it.

Step 5: Review .htaccess File

1. Access your website files and locate the .htaccess file in the root directory.
2. Download a backup copy.
3. Replace the file with the default WordPress .htaccess.
4. Attempt to log in.

Step 6: Seek Professional Help

If the above steps fail, consider seeking assistance from a WordPress professional or developer. They can diagnose and fix more complex issues.