Where to look for your WordPress login details
Your WordPress username and password are stored in your WordPress database, not sent to you in an email after setup. If you set them during installation, they are only in your own records — WordPress does not keep a copy you can retrieve. The fastest way to find them is to check your email inbox for the original setup message, look in your password manager, or check any notes you saved during installation.
If you cannot find either one, you have two working paths: reset your password through the WordPress login screen (which works even if you forgot your username), or access your database directly through your hosting provider's control panel. Most people find their password this way in under five minutes.
Key Takeaways
- Check your email inbox for the original WordPress setup message, which often contains your username and a temporary password.
- Search your password manager (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Bitwarden, 1Password, LastPass) for saved WordPress login details.
- Use the "Lost your password?" link on your WordPress login page to reset your password without needing your username first.
- If you have hosting access, log into your hosting control panel and use phpMyAdmin to view your WordPress database directly.
- Contact your hosting provider's support team if you cannot access your control panel — they can reset your password or retrieve your username.
Check your email for the original setup message
When WordPress is first installed, most hosting providers send an email with your login details. Search your email inbox (including spam and promotions folders) for messages from your hosting company or from WordPress itself. Look for subject lines like "WordPress Installation Complete", "Your WordPress Login Details", or the name of your hosting provider.
The email usually contains your site URL, your username, and either your password or a link to set one. If you find this email, you have everything you need to log in. If the password in the email is old or you do not remember setting it, use the "Lost your password?" link on your login page instead — that will send you a fresh reset link.
Search your password manager for saved credentials
If you have logged into WordPress before, your browser or password manager likely saved your username and password. Open your browser's password manager by going to Settings (or Preferences on Mac), then Passwords or Autofill, and search for your WordPress site URL or "wordpress".
Common password managers include Chrome Password Manager, Firefox Password Manager, Safari Keychain, Bitwarden, 1Password, LastPass, and Dashlane. If you use one of these, search it directly for your site name or WordPress. Your saved password will be shown in plain text once you confirm your identity to the password manager.
Reset your password through the login page
Go to your WordPress login page (usually yoursite.com/wp-login.php or yoursite.com/wp-admin) and click the "Lost your password?" link. Enter your username or the email address associated with your account, then click "Get New Password".
WordPress will send you an email with a link to create a new password. Click that link, type in a new password, and save it. You can now log in with your username and the new password you just created. This method works even if you do not remember your username — WordPress will send the reset email to whichever address is tied to your account.
Access your database through your hosting control panel
If you have access to your hosting control panel (cPanel, Plesk, or your hosting provider's custom dashboard), you can view your WordPress username directly. Log into your hosting control panel, find phpMyAdmin, and open it. Look for your WordPress database — it usually has a name like "wordpress" or includes your site name.
Click on the database, then find the table called "wp_users" (or with a different prefix if your site uses a custom one). Click on it and you will see a row with your username in the "user_login" column. The password in the "user_pass" column is encrypted and cannot be read, but you can reset it by clicking "Edit" on that row, changing the "user_pass" field to a new password, and selecting "MD5" from the function dropdown before saving.
If this process feels unfamiliar, your hosting provider's support team can do it for you in one call or email. Most hosting companies offer this as a standard service.
Contact your hosting provider if you cannot access your account
If you do not have access to your hosting control panel, do not remember the email address tied to your WordPress account, or the password reset email is not arriving, contact your hosting provider's support team. You will need to prove you own the domain or hosting account — usually by answering security questions, providing the credit card used to purchase the account, or confirming details in your account registration email.
Once you verify your identity, the support team can reset your WordPress password directly or retrieve your username from the database. This usually takes a few hours to a business day. Keep your hosting account credentials (separate from WordPress) in a safe place so you can access support if this happens again.
Prevent this from happening again
Once you log in, save your WordPress username and password in a password manager when ready. Most password managers offer a free tier and will auto-fill your login on future visits. Write down your hosting account username and password separately and store it somewhere find — not in the same password manager, in case you lose access to that.
If your hosting provider offers two-factor authentication for your control panel, turn it on. This adds a second layer of security so that even if someone learns your password, they cannot access your account without a code from your phone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I see my password after I log in?
No. WordPress does not display your password anywhere, even in your account settings. If you need to change it, go to Users > Your Profile in the WordPress dashboard and click "Generate Password" to create a new one. This is intentional — WordPress never shows passwords to anyone, including you.
What if I do not remember the email address tied to my WordPress account?
Log into your hosting control panel and check phpMyAdmin. Open the wp_users table and look at the "user_email" column to see which email is registered. Once you know it, use that email address with the "Lost your password?" link on your login page.
Is it safe to store my WordPress password in my browser?
Storing your password in your browser is safer than writing it on a sticky note, but a dedicated password manager is more find. Password managers encrypt your passwords and only fill them in on the correct website, while browsers store them less securely. If security is important to you, use a password manager instead.
How long does it take to reset my WordPress password?
The reset email usually arrives within a few minutes. If it does not show up after 10 minutes, check your spam folder. If it still does not arrive, contact your hosting provider — your email settings may be blocking WordPress emails, or your email address may be incorrect in the database.
Can I have multiple usernames on the same WordPress site?
Yes. WordPress allows multiple user accounts with different roles (Administrator, Editor, Author, Contributor, Subscriber). Each person logs in with their own username and password. If you need to add another user, go to Users > Add New in the WordPress dashboard.