One of the good things about WordPress websites is that they tend to be pretty reliable. However, sometimes problems do occur, and it’s important to know what to do.
One of the most common issues WordPress users face is being logged out and unable to log back in. This can be frustrating and stressful, with a concern that your website content could potentially be lost for good. You might think that the only option is to ask a professional for help. This can come with worries of its own, though. Who do you choose? How much will it cost?
But there’s no need to panic! WordPress is designed to be user-friendly. As a result, there are several simple steps you can take to get yourself back on track before calling the experts.
3 quick fixes if you can’t log in to WordPress
It’s always better to rule out the more common issues before searching for a bigger problem. Most of the time, you’ll find that if you can’t log in to your WordPress site, there’s a simple explanation for it.
Running through some basic troubleshooting solutions can help to save time and get everything running smoothly again quickly.
1. Clear your cache
If you’ve found yourself logged out, the first thing to try is clearing your browser cache. The exact way to do this will vary depending on your operating system, but it’s a good first step. If that doesn’t work, try clearing your WordPress cache. This will need to be done through the hosting account of whichever company is hosting your website.
2. Incognito mode
Sometimes, just logging in through a different browser window is enough to rectify whatever issue has occurred. Incognito mode doesn’t keep a cache, so it can be a simple process of opening a browser in incognito/private window mode and logging in from there.
3. Check your password and username
This might seem like stating the obvious, but it should never be forgotten. If you’re repeatedly attempting to log in unsuccessfully, make sure that you’re inputting the right information. It’s easy to mix up different passwords and usernames, so this should be one of the first things you check.
Be aware that some security plugins will mean that too many failed login attempts can result in being locked out of your account. If this happens, you will need to either ask someone with admin privileges to reset your password, or create a new admin account and do it yourself. If you’re not sure what your password is, it’s always better to reset it rather than continuing to enter incorrect combinations.
Other common reasons for not being able to log in to WordPress
If the simple solutions don’t work, it’s time to think about other potential issues which may be stopping you from logging in.
Disabled cookies
WordPress requires cookies in order to work. If you’ve disabled cookies, you won’t be able to log in, so double-check your cookie settings and try again. If cookies have been disabled, it should be easy to enable them again.
Security plugins
If you try to log in multiple times without success, it’s possible that your WordPress security plugins will lock you out. If this happens, you will need to access the website’s server, disable the plugin(s) and try again.
Less common reasons for not being able to log in to WordPress
Very occasionally, you may encounter a more complicated problem. This doesn’t necessarily mean you’re stuck though, as there will usually be a way to fix whatever has gone wrong.
Database connection errors
This is a fairly rare issue, but it does happen from time to time. If your login attempts are resulting in a message saying that there’s an issue connecting to the database, this can be because WordPress has lost its connection to your site’s database. If this happens, you will need to check your wp-config.php file and make sure that the database name and password are correct. To do this, you’ll need to access your site via FTP and download your wp-config.php file. You can also ask your host to help you check these details are correct.
File permissions
Another very uncommon problem, but still worth mentioning. Occasionally, you won’t be able to log in due to issues with file permissions. If this happens, you’ll see an error message pop up. The most common time for this to happen is when you’ve installed new plugins or when an update happens. If this is the problem stopping your login attempts, you will need to restore permissions remotely with the code 644 for files or 755 for directories – your host will usually be able to help you do this.
Tips for avoiding login issues with WordPress
Whether you’ve had problems logging in in the past, or simply want to protect yourself from having issues in advance, there are ways to future-proof your login attempts.
1. Secure your passwords
Using a safe, reliable password manager, you can securely store all of your passwords and avoid issues like forgotten combinations or incorrect password attempts. This will also help you to avoid hacking attempts and malware.
2. Use Quality Hosting
Make sure that your hosting provider is able to provide a secure, reliable service. If you’re not sure which hosting services to use, here are some we recommend for UK based sites (not affiliate links):
3. Regular Backups
Very occasionally, even if you’ve tried all of the options, you won’t be able to log in to your website. If this happens, you can get yourself back online quickly if you have backup versions stored offline. This will enable you to restore your website at the click of a button.
What if you still can’t get in?
If you’ve tried everything we’ve suggested and still can’t log in to your WordPress account, it might be time to ask the experts. Here at WordPress Support & Grow, we can offer tech support and advice to help you get things back on track.
Contact us or book a free call to find out more about the services and support we offer.
