Resolving Google reCAPTCHA Admin Lockout Issue: A Step-by-Step Guide

If you’ve recently activated Google reCAPTCHA on your WordPress site and find yourself locked out of the admin section, don’t worry – you’re not alone. This issue is not due to the plugin but rather a misconfiguration in your setup. Follow these steps to regain access and properly set up reCAPTCHA:

Step 1: Access your Server Files

1. Connect to your server using an FTP client or file manager provided by your hosting provider.
2. Navigate to the root directory of your WordPress installation.
3. Locate the “defender” folder and rename it to something like “defender_old.” This step temporarily disables the defender plugin.

Step 2: Log into WordPress

With the defender plugin temporarily disabled, you should now be able to log into your WordPress admin panel. If successful, proceed to the next step.

Step 3: Adjust reCAPTCHA Settings

1. Once logged in, go to the WordPress dashboard.
2. Navigate to the plugin settings. If reCAPTCHA is a part of another security plugin, locate its settings.
3. Review and adjust the reCAPTCHA settings. Ensure that the keys are correctly entered. You can obtain reCAPTCHA keys by visiting the reCAPTCHA website and creating a new site.

Step 4: Enable Defender Plugin

1. After confirming and saving the reCAPTCHA settings, return to the server files.
2. Rename the “defender_old” folder back to “defender.”
3. Log out of WordPress.
4. Log back in and check if the issue persists. If you encounter any problems, recheck your reCAPTCHA settings for accuracy.

Additional Tips:

• Clear your browser cache and cookies before attempting to log in again.
• Ensure that your browser is up to date.
• If the problem persists, consider reaching out to the plugin developer or support forums for further assistance.

By following these steps, you should regain access to your WordPress admin and successfully set up Google reCAPTCHA without any login issues. Remember to keep your reCAPTCHA keys secure and regularly update your plugins and WordPress installation for optimal security.