How to Change Your WordPress Login URL for Better Security 

Changing your WordPress login URL is crucial to enhancing your site’s security. By default, WordPress uses the wp-login.php or wp-admin URL to handle logins and administrative tasks. Unfortunately, hackers and automated bots know this standard and often target it for brute-force attacks. 

This blog post will explore three effective methods to change your WordPress login URL. Options range from using a plugin to manually editing your site’s files or hiring a professional developer for a custom solution.

Why Change Your WordPress Login URL?

Before diving into the methods, it’s essential to understand the benefits of modifying your WordPress login URL:

• Enhanced Security: Changing the default URL reduces the chances of automated attacks. Malicious bots scanning for wp-login.php will be less likely to find your login page.
• Reduced Spam: Fewer login attempts mean fewer spam and less strain on your server.
• Customization: A custom login URL can give your site a more personalized touch and help integrate it with your overall branding strategy.
• Access Control: Limiting access to your login page can be part of a broader strategy to control who can access your site’s admin area.

With these benefits in mind, let’s look at three practical methods for changing your WordPress login URL.

Method 1: Using a WordPress Plugin

Using a plugin is one of the most straightforward and user-friendly methods to change your WordPress login URL. Several plugins can help you achieve this without needing to code. One popular option is WPS Hide Login.

Steps to Change Your Login URL with a Plugin

Backup Your Site: Before making any changes, back up your site; this step ensures you can revert if anything goes wrong.

Install the Plugin

• Log in to your WordPress dashboard.
• Navigate to Plugins > Add New.
• In the search bar, type WPS Hide Login.

• Click Install Now, and then Activate once the installation is complete.

Configure the Plugin

After activation, go to Settings > General. Scroll down to the section where you can change the login URL.

Enter your desired login slug. For example, you could change wp-login.php to mysecurelogin, making your login URL look like www.yoursite.com/mysecurelogin.

Save your changes.

Test the New URL

Open a new browser window or incognito tab and type in your new login URL to confirm it works correctly.

Ensure that the old login URL now returns a 404 error or a redirect to the new login page.

Method 2: Changing the URL Manually

For those with some technical expertise or who prefer not to add another plugin to their site, manually changing your WordPress login URL is a viable option. 

This method involves editing your site’s core files and rewriting URL rules in the .htaccess file (for Apache servers) or the equivalent configuration file if you use a different web server.

Steps to Change Your Login URL Manually

Backup Your Site and File

This is a critical step before editing any code. Create a complete backup of your site files and database to ensure you can restore your site if something goes wrong.

Create a Custom Login File

Duplicate the wp-login.php file and rename it to something unique like custom-login.php. Open custom-login.php in a code editor.

Change any internal references if necessary (this may require some familiarity with PHP and WordPress internals).

Save the file in your WordPress root directory.

Update the Functions File

Open your theme’s functions.php file inside the wp-includes folder. 

Add custom code to handle redirection from the old login URL to your new custom login page. 

For example, you can add a function that listens to requests on wp-login.php and redirects them to your custom file.

Example code:

function redirect_login_page() {

    $request = $_SERVER['REQUEST_URI'];

    if (strpos($request, 'wp-login.php') !== false) {

        wp_redirect(site_url('/custom-login.php'));

        exit;

    }

}

add_action('init', 'redirect_login_page');

Save the changes to your functions.php.

Modify the .htaccess File (Apache Servers)

Open your .htaccess file located in your WordPress root directory.

Add rewrite rules to redirect requests to the old login URL:

<IfModule mod_rewrite.c>

RewriteEngine On

RewriteCond %{REQUEST_URI} ^/wp-login.php

RewriteRule ^(.*)$ /custom-login.php [R=301,L]

</IfModule>

Save the file and upload it back to the server if necessary. 

Test Your New Login URL

Open a new browser window and visit www.yoursite.com/custom-login.php. Verify that the login page loads correctly.

Attempt to access wp-login.php to confirm that it redirects appropriately to your new URL.

Method 3: Hiring a Developer

Hiring a developer might be the best option if you’re uncomfortable tinkering with code or your website has complex requirements beyond a simple URL change. 

A professional developer can implement a custom solution that fits your needs while ensuring your site remains secure and stable.

When to Hire a Developer

• Complex Requirements: If you have a custom WordPress setup or need integration with other systems, a developer can build a robust solution.
• Lack of Technical Expertise: Not everyone is comfortable editing PHP files or server configurations. A developer can handle these tasks safely.
• Security Assurance: A professional developer can audit your changes to ensure they do not contain security loopholes, providing an extra layer of assurance.
• Time Constraints: Hiring a developer can save you time and reduce stress if you prefer to focus on other aspects of your business or website,

Additional Security Measures

Changing your WordPress login URL is just one piece of the security puzzle. Here are a few additional tips to further secure your site:

• Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Implementing 2FA adds an extra layer of security by requiring users to verify their identity through a secondary method.
• Limit Login Attempts: Limiting the number of login attempts, whether through plugins or server-side configurations, can prevent brute-force attacks.
• Regular Backups: Maintain regular backups of your site and database. In the event of an attack, you can quickly restore your site to a previous, secure state.
• Keep Software Updated: Ensure that WordPress core, themes, and plugins are updated regularly to protect against known vulnerabilities.
• Use SSL Certificates: Use HTTPS to encrypt data transmitted between your site and visitors. SSL certificates are essential for securing login credentials and other sensitive data.

Conclusion

Changing your WordPress login URL is essential in safeguarding your website against common threats. Whether you opt for the convenience of a plugin, the control of manual adjustments, or the assurance of hiring a developer, each method provides its benefits and challenges.

These steps will improve your site’s security and give you peace of mind. This will allow you to focus on creating great content and engaging with your audience. The extra effort you put into securing your login page can save you a lot of trouble, protecting your data and users’ trust.

Implement the method that best fits your needs today and build a more secure WordPress website. Happy blogging, and stay safe online!