# Resetting the Joomla administrator password

> Get back into Joomla when you are locked out by resetting the administrator password with an SQL query in phpMyAdmin.

Source: https://helpcenter.ruachost.com/apps/joomla/resetting-the-joomla-administrator-password/

If you are locked out of your Joomla administrator account, you cannot reset the password by email. Instead, you must manually reset it in the database. On **ruachost.com**, this can be done using **phpMyAdmin** in cPanel.

## Why Reset the Administrator Password?

- Regain access if you forget your password.
- Recover from a hacked or compromised account.
- Update credentials for better security.

## Steps to Reset the Joomla Administrator Password

### Step 1: Log in to cPanel

1. Access your hosting account on **ruachost.com**.
2. In the **Databases** section, click **phpMyAdmin**.

### Step 2: Locate the Joomla Database

1. In phpMyAdmin, select your Joomla database from the left pane.

   - Typically named `username_joomXXX` (where `username` is your cPanel username and `XXX` is a three‑digit number).

### Step 3: Run SQL Query

1. On the top menu bar, click **SQL**.
2. Copy and paste the following statement into the query box:

   ```
   UPDATE users SET password = MD5('NewPassword') WHERE username = 'admin';
   ```

   - Replace `NewPassword` with your new password.
   - Replace `admin` with the correct username if different.

### Step 4: Adjust for Table Prefix

- If your Joomla installation uses a table prefix, add it to the `users` table.
- Example: If the prefix is `jm_`, use:

  ```
  UPDATE jm_users SET password = MD5('NewPassword') WHERE username = 'admin';
  ```

### Step 5: Save and Log In

1. Click **Go** to execute the query.
2. phpMyAdmin updates the database with the new password.
3. Log in to Joomla administrator using the updated credentials.

## Important Notes

- Joomla does not allow administrator password resets via email.
- Always back up your database before making manual changes.
- Use a strong password to improve security.
- If multiple admin accounts exist, update the correct username.