# Resetting the PrestaShop administrator password

> Get back into your PrestaShop admin account by resetting the password by email or directly in the database with phpMyAdmin.

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

If you are locked out of your PrestaShop administrator account, you can reset the password either by email or directly in the database. On **ruachost.com**, both methods are supported.

## Method 1: Reset by Email

1. Go to the **PrestaShop login page**.
2. Click **Lost password?**.
3. Enter the email address you used during installation.
4. Click **Send**.
5. PrestaShop will send a new administrator password to your email.

✅ This is the simplest method if your site’s email system is working correctly.

## Method 2: Reset in the Database (via phpMyAdmin)

If email is not working, you can reset the password manually:

1. Log in to your **ruachost.com Client Area**.
2. Open **cPanel → File Manager**.
3. Navigate to your PrestaShop installation directory (e.g., `public_html/presta`).
4. Open the **config** directory and view the `parameters.php` file.
5. Copy the value of the `COOKIE_KEY` variable (long alphanumeric string).
6. Note the value of the `DB_NAME` variable (your PrestaShop database name).
7. Go back to **cPanel → Databases → phpMyAdmin**.
8. Select your PrestaShop database.
9. Locate and open the **ps_employee** table.
10. Find the row for your administrator account and click **Edit**.
11. In the **passwd** field:

    - Delete the existing value.
    - Paste the `COOKIE_KEY` value immediately followed by your new password (no spaces). Example:

      ```
      wrwr218phsdvo5jvsaz7bqwgxiyp0gbxohahimexHereIsTheNewPassword
      ```
12. In the **Function** dropdown for the `passwd` field, select **MD5**.
13. Click **Go** to save changes.
14. Log in to PrestaShop with the new password.

✅ You now have administrator access again.

## Important Notes

- Always back up your database before making manual changes.
- Ensure you copy the `COOKIE_KEY` correctly (without quotation marks).
- The new password must be appended directly after the cookie key string.