Can’t Sign In to WordPress? Here’s How to Fix Common Login Issues

If you can’t sign in to WordPress, don’t panic. It’s one of the most common issues site owners face. Whether you’re on WordPress.com or a self-hosted WordPress.org site, login problems can happen for many reasons. This guide covers the most common WordPress login issues and step-by-step fixes so you can get back into your dashboard quickly.

1. Check the Correct Login URL

One of the simplest mistakes is trying to log in at the wrong place.

• WordPress.com users: Go to https://wordpress.com/log-in.
• Self-hosted WordPress.org users: Your login page is usually at:
• yourwebsite.com/wp-login.php
• or yourwebsite.com/wp-admin

Self-hosted WordPress.org users can also install the free WP Login Form plugin to add a WordPress login form to any page.

Tip: Bookmark the correct login URL to save time in the future.

2. Reset Your Password

If you forgot your password, use the “Lost your password?” link on the login screen.

Steps:

1. Click Lost your password?
2. Enter your email or username.
3. Check your inbox for a reset link.
4. Create a strong new password.

If you don’t receive the email, check your spam folder or confirm your WordPress admin email address in your hosting database.

3. Clear Browser Cache and Cookies

Sometimes, your browser is the problem.

• Clear your cookies and cache.
• Try logging in using Incognito/Private Mode.
• Switch to another browser (Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Safari) to confirm.

4. Deactivate Problematic Plugins

A faulty or outdated plugin can block access to your site.

1. Connect via FTP or your hosting file manager.
2. Rename the plugins folder (e.g., plugins_old).
3. Try logging in again.
4. If it works, rename the folder back and reactivate plugins one by one to find the culprit.

5. Disable Your Theme Temporarily

A broken theme can also cause login errors.

• Access wp-content/themes/ via FTP.
• Rename your current theme folder.
• WordPress will switch to a default theme (like Twenty Twenty-Four).
• Try logging in again.

6. Check for URL Redirection Issues

If your site keeps redirecting after login:

• Verify your WordPress Address (URL) and Site Address (URL) in the database (wp_options table).
• Both should match your actual site URL.

Example: https://yourwebsite.com

7. Fix “Too Many Login Attempts” or Lockouts

Security plugins (e.g., Wordfence, iThemes Security) may temporarily block you.

• Wait for the lockout period to expire.
• Or, log in via FTP and disable the plugin folder.

8. Update .htaccess File

A corrupted .htaccess file can block login.

1. Access your site root via FTP.
2. Rename .htaccess to .htaccess_old.
3. Log in to WordPress.
4. If successful, go to Settings > Permalinks and save changes to generate a fresh file.

9. Increase PHP Memory Limit

Low server memory can sometimes trigger login white screens.

• Edit wp-config.php and add:

  define('WP_MEMORY_LIMIT', '256M');

10. Contact Your Hosting Provider

If nothing works, your hosting provider can help with:

• Resetting your password via phpMyAdmin.
• Fixing server misconfigurations.
• Checking for malware or hacked logins.

Frequently Asked Questions