How to Change a Username on WordPress

WordPress doesn’t let you change usernames from the admin dashboard, but there are three workarounds to get it done. The question is which method works best for you:

1. Change username by creating a new user
2. Change by using a plugin
3. Change the username in phpMyAdmin

1. Create a New User (No Plugin)

The first way to change a username in WordPress is to create a new account and reassign the content. This saves you from installing a plugin, but is slightly more work.

Here’s how to change username on WordPress without a plugin:

1. Create the new account you’ll want to switch to. You’ll do this at Users > Add User. You’ll have to fill in a few, but most importantly, make sure you pick the new username you want to have.
2. Find the old account – the account for which you want the usernmae changed – on the Users > All Users” screen, and click its red Delete link.
3. Next, you’ll want to answer “What should be done with content owned by this user?” carefully. Select the radio button next to “Attribute all content to:” and select your new account username from the dropdown next to it.

That’s it. You’re all set 🙂

Keep in mind that you can’t delete the account you’re currently logged into. So if you want to change your own username, you’ll need to create a new admin account first, then log in with that new account before deleting your original one.

2. Use a Plugin to Change Your WordPress Username

The second option is to use a plugin to change your username.

1. Install and activate the Change Username plugin
2. Go to Users > All Users and click on Edit under the user whose username you want to change
3. Click on the Change button next to the ‘Username’ field
4. You are now able to edit the username. So type in the new username and click on the Change button again.

If the account you’re changing is your own, you’ll need to log back in using the changed username.

3. Change Username in phpMyAdmin

This method involves directly editing your WordPress database, so it’s the most technical option.

Important: Always backup your database before making any changes.

Here’s how to change your username through phpMyAdmin:

1. Log into your web hosting control panel (cPanel, Plesk, etc.) and open phpMyAdmin. If you’re not sure how to access it, contact your hosting provider for guidance.
2. Select your WordPress database from the list on the left side. Look for tables that start with “wp_” (or your custom prefix if you changed it during installation).
3. Click on the wp_users table
4. Find your user account in the list and click on Edit

5. Change the user_login field to your desired new username

6. Click Go to save the changes

Your new username will be active immediately, and you can log in using the new credentials right away.