# Resetting the WordPress administrator password

> Reset a forgotten WordPress administrator password using Softaculous, WP-CLI or phpMyAdmin when the email reset link does not work.

Source: https://helpcenter.ruachost.com/wordpress/guides/resetting-the-wordpress-administrator-password/

If you forget your WordPress administrator password and cannot use the email recovery option, you can still reset it using alternative methods. On **ruachost.com**, there are three main approaches: via **Softaculous**, **WP‑CLI**, or directly in the **database**.

## Why Reset the Password?

- Regain access if locked out of the admin dashboard.
- Fix issues when email recovery is unavailable.
- Maintain site security by updating compromised credentials.

## Methods to Reset the Administrator Password

### Method 1: Reset via Softaculous

1. Log in to **cPanel**.
2. In the **Softaculous Apps Installer** section, click the icon.
3. At the top right, click the **All Installations** icon.
4. Locate your WordPress installation and click the **Admin icon**.
5. Softaculous logs you in automatically.
6. In WordPress, go to **Users → All Users**.
7. Locate the administrator account → Click **Edit**.
8. Under **Account Management**, click **Generate Password** or type a new one.
9. Click **Update Profile**.

✅ You can now log in with the new password.

### Method 2: Reset via WP‑CLI

If WP‑CLI is installed on your server:

1. Log in via SSH.
2. Navigate to your WordPress directory.
3. Run the following command:

   ```
   wp user update admin_username --user_pass=new_password
   ```

   Replace `admin_username` with your admin login and `new_password` with the new password.

### Method 3: Reset via Database (phpMyAdmin)

1. Log in to **cPanel**.
2. Under **Databases**, click **phpMyAdmin**.
3. Select your WordPress database (usually `username_wpXXX`).
4. Click the **wp_users** table.
5. Locate the administrator account.
6. Click **Edit**.
7. In the `user_pass` field, enter:

   ```
   MD5('new_password')
   ```

   Replace `new_password` with your chosen password.
8. Click **Go** to save changes.

✅ You can now log in with the new password.

> **Note:**
- WordPress stores passwords as **MD5 hashes** in the database.
- Some WordPress versions may use a different table prefix (e.g., `wpe6_users` instead of `wp_users`).
- Always choose a strong password to protect your site.