Introduction
If you have forgotten your WordPress password, WordPress includes a built-in password recovery feature that allows you to reset your password using the email address associated with your account.
This guide explains how to reset a forgotten WordPress password.
Step 1 – Open the WordPress Login Page
Open your browser and visit: https://yourdomain.co.za/wp-admin
(Replace yourdomain.co.za with your own domain name.)
Step 2 – Open the Password Recovery Page
Below the login form
Click: Lost your password?
The password recovery page will open.
Step 3 – Enter Your Username or Email Address
Locate: Username or Email Address
Enter:
- Your WordPress username
or
- The email address associated with your WordPress account
Click: Get New Password
Step 4 – Check Your Email
WordPress will send a password reset email to the email address associated with your account.
Open your inbox and locate the password reset email.
If you do not receive the email within a few minutes:
- Check your Spam folder.
- Check your Junk folder.
- Verify that the email address is correct.
Step 5 – Open the Password Reset Link
Within the email
Click the password reset link.
WordPress will open a password reset page.
Step 6 – Create a New Password
Locate: New Password
WordPress may automatically generate a secure password.
You may:
- Use the generated password
- Enter your own strong password
A strong password should include:
- Uppercase letters
- Lowercase letters
- Numbers
- Special characters
Step 7 – Save the New Password
Click: Reset Password
Your password will now be updated.
Step 8 – Log Into WordPress
Return to:
https://yourdomain.co.za/wp-admin
Enter your username and new password.
Click: Log In
Common Problems
Password Reset Email Does Not Arrive
Check:
- Spam folder
- Junk folder
- Email filtering rules
If the email still does not arrive, your website may have email delivery issues.
Contact your website administrator or support provider for assistance.
I No Longer Have Access to the Email Address
If you cannot access the email address associated with your WordPress account, password recovery will not work.
You will need assistance from:
- A WordPress administrator
- Your website developer
- Your hosting provider
The Password Reset Link Has Expired
Password reset links are only valid for a limited time.
Repeat the password reset process to generate a new link.
Security Tips
When creating a new password:
- Use a unique password.
- Avoid reusing passwords from other websites.
- Store passwords securely.
- Do not share administrator passwords.
Strong passwords help protect your website against unauthorized access.
Conclusion
WordPress provides a simple password recovery system that allows users to regain access to their website if they forget their password.
Keeping your account email address current and accessible will help ensure password recovery remains available when needed.
