# Generating WordPress user activity history with the Simple History plugin

> Keep an audit trail of logins, edits and plugin changes on your WordPress site with the Simple History plugin.

Source: https://helpcenter.ruachost.com/wordpress/guides/generating-user-activity-history-for-wordpress-using-simple-history/

Monitoring user activity on your WordPress site helps you track changes, detect suspicious behavior, and maintain accountability. The **Simple History plugin** provides a clear audit trail of actions performed by users. On **ruachost.com**, this is the recommended way to generate and view activity history.

## Why Use Simple History?

- Tracks who posted, updated, or deleted content.
- Logs plugin activations/deactivations.
- Records user logins (including failed attempts).
- Monitors changes to menus, widgets, and taxonomies.
- Provides export options for compliance and reporting.

## Installing and Configuring Simple History

1. **Log in to WordPress** with an administrator account.
2. In the dashboard, go to **Plugins → Add New**.
3. Search for **Simple History**.
4. Click **Install Now**, then **Activate**.
5. In the dashboard, go to **Settings → Simple History**.
6. Configure the following tabs:

   - **Settings** → Choose display location (Dashboard or separate page), set items per page, clear logs.
   - **Export** → Export logs in **JSON** or **CSV** format.
   - **Debug** → View technical details about your site and plugin activity.
7. Save changes.

✅ You can now view activity logs under **Dashboard → Simple History**.

## ⚙️ Example of Logged Activities

- Post created, updated, or deleted.
- User profile changes.
- Plugin or theme activation/deactivation.
- Failed login attempts.
- Privacy page creation or data export requests.

## Important Notes

- Always back up your site before installing new plugins.
- Limit log retention if storage space is a concern.
- Use logs to detect unauthorized access attempts.
- Combine with other security plugins for full protection.