A Comprehensive Guide to Changing and Protecting the WordPress Login URL

If you’ve planned to launch a WordPress website, you might get a question, “How do I log in to WordPress?” or Where is my WordPress login located?” Don’t worry – you’re not alone,

With its user-friendly interface and vast selection of customizable themes and plugins, it has become a go-to platform for bloggers, businesses, and organizations. However, with such widespread usage comes the risk of cyber-attacks.

One of the primary targets for hackers is the WordPress login page, as it gives access to sensitive website data. To combat this threat, many users opt to change their login URL to make it less vulnerable. In this comprehensive guide, we will see the reasons behind changing and protecting your WordPress login URL and provide step-by-step instructions on how to do so effectively.

By following these measures, you can ensure the security of your website and safeguard your valuable information from malicious attacks.

What is the WordPress login URL?

The WordPress login URL is the particular web address where you (and any other team members) operate the WordPress dashboard to manage content, settings, and other responsibilities.

Moreover, the login URL is like a bridge that helps to cross the road. In short, it’s a prime entry point to reach the destination. Unlike without using a physical key, you are allowed to username and password to gain operation. As shared earlier, you don’t want to enter uninvited guests (hackers) inside your home, making it incredibly essential to safeguard the login URL.

The default WordPress login URL is typically one of the following:

• yourdomain.com/wp-admin
• yourdomain.com/admin
• yourdomain.com/login

Replace yourdomain.com with the actual domain name of your WordPress website.

If you’re unsure about the exact URL, you can try adding any of these to your domain name and see which one works.

Read: How to Secure Your WordPress Site in 2025

Where do I find the WordPress login URL?

There are several ways to find your WordPress login URL:

1. Default URLs:

• yourdomain.com/wp-admin
• yourdomain.com/admin
• yourdomain.com/login

You can replace yourdomain.com with your actual domain name. You are allowed to add one of these to your domain name and check whether it works or not.

2. Web Hosting Control Panel:

• cPanel: You can look for a section related to WordPress or applications. It might have a direct link to your WordPress admin area.
• Plesk: Similar to cPanel, check for a WordPress section that provides the login URL.
• Other Control Panels: Consult your hosting provider’s documentation for specific instructions.

3. WP Engine Dashboard:

If you’re using WP Engine, follow these steps:

1. Log in to your WP Engine dashboard.
2. Go to the “Sites” tab.
3. Click on the WordPress install you want to access.
4. Click the “WP Admin” link at the top of the screen.

4. FTP or File Manager:

If you have access to your website’s files via FTP or a file manager, look for the wp-login.php file in your WordPress root directory. The URL to this file is your login URL.

5. Security Plugins:

Some security plugins can help you find or change your WordPress login URL. Check the documentation of your specific plugin for instructions.  

If you’re still having trouble finding your login URL, then contact your web hosting provider for assistance. They will give specific guidance based on your hosting setup.

How to Effectively Bypass Login with the ‘Remember Me’ Functionality

If you regularly use WordPress, then you might have noticed a checkbox marked “Remember Me” on your WordPress login screen. By monitoring this box before login, your future move towards WordPress will be smoother. WordPress won’t allow you to log in credentials for the subsequent 14 days (or whatever number of days you have defined in your browser’s cookie settings).

Remember that this feature, while convenient can introduce more risk to your WordPress account – especially if you’re on a shared or public device. It’s equally important to balance the convenience like staying logged in with security considerations. When in doubt, it’s safer to log out after each session and not to use this WordPress ‘Remember Me’ feature. 

Read: Unlocking the Power of Plugins: A Deep Dive into Their Functionality

How do you find a Custom WordPress login URL for Enhanced Security?

• Check your WordPress settings: Go to Settings ? General and look for the “Site Address (URL)” field. This is usually the base URL for your WordPress site.
• Look for a plugin: There are many plugins that allow you to change the WordPress login URL. If you have one of these plugins installed, check its settings to see what the custom login URL is.
• Check your .htaccess file: If you have manually changed the login URL, you can find it in your .htaccess file. Open the .htaccess file in a text editor and look for a line that starts with “RewriteRule ^”. The value after the ^ is the custom login URL.
• Ask your web host: If you are not sure how to find the custom login URL, you can contact your web host for help. They should be able to tell you what the custom login URL is.

Additional tips: 

• If you have recently changed the login URL, you may need to clear your browser cache and cookies.
• If you are still having trouble finding the custom login URL, you can try adding “/wp-login.php” to the end of your site’s URL. This will divert you to the login page.

Why the Login URL is a Target for Hackers

1. Direct Access to the Backend:
   • Control Panel: Successful login grants hackers access to the WordPress admin dashboard, where they can manipulate content, and settings, and even install malicious code.
   • Sensitive Data: This includes user information, payment details, and other confidential data, making it a valuable target for cybercriminals.
2. Vulnerability to Brute Force Attacks:
   • Default Login URL: The standard /wp-admin/ URL is widely known, making it easy for automated scripts to repeatedly attempt logins with various usernames and passwords.
   • Weak Password Practices: Many users choose weak or easily guessable passwords, further increasing the risk of successful brute-force attacks.
3. Exploiting Plugin and Theme Vulnerabilities:
   • Outdated Software: Outdated plugins and themes often contain security vulnerabilities that hackers can exploit to gain unauthorized access.
   • Malicious Code Injection: Hackers can inject malicious code into these vulnerabilities, allowing them to execute commands and compromise the website.
4. Leveraging Phishing Attacks:
   • Deceptive Emails: Hackers can send phishing emails disguised as legitimate notifications, tricking users into revealing their login credentials.
   • Fake Login Pages: These malicious pages mimic the appearance of the legitimate WordPress login page, capturing user input and compromising their accounts.
5. Using Automated Tools and Scripts:
   • Efficient Attacks: Hackers use automated tools to scan for vulnerable websites, identify weak passwords, and launch attacks at scale.
   • Rapid Exploitation: These tools enable rapid exploitation of vulnerabilities before security patches are released.

How Can I Change My WordPress Login URL Safely?

1. Install a Plugin:

• Go to your WordPress dashboard.
• Navigate to Plugins > Add New.
• Locate the “WPS Hide Login” to install it.
• Activate the plugin.

2. Configure the Plugin:

• Go to Settings > WPS Hide Login.
• In the “Login URL” field, enter your desired custom URL (e.g., /secure-login).
• Save the changes.

Additional Tips for Security:

• Strong Passwords: Use strong, unique passwords for your admin account.
• Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Enable 2FA to add an extra layer of security.
• Regular Updates: You have to keep WordPress, themes, and plugins updated.
• Security Plugins: Consider using security plugins like iThemes Security or Wordfence.
• Limit Login Attempts: Use plugins or security settings to limit the number of failed login attempts.
• Hide Admin Error Messages: Configure your WordPress site to not display detailed error messages.

Why Using a Plugin is Safer?

• Ease of Use: Plugin-based methods are generally user-friendly and require minimal technical knowledge.
• Reduced Risk of Errors: Manual modifications to core WordPress files can lead to unintended consequences if not done correctly.
• Regular Updates: You can update the plugin all the time to address security vulnerabilities and enhance the working.

By following these steps and taking additional security measures, you can significantly enhance the protection of your WordPress website.

Read: The Ultimate Guide to WordPress Maintenance: Tips and Tricks

Final Verdict

Changing and protecting the WordPress login URL is essential for enhancing website security and preventing unauthorized access. Implementing these measures can significantly reduce the risk of attacks and improve overall site integrity.