Whether you’re updating login details, adding new users, or setting the right permissions, this guide covers it all. We’ll explore:
Changing a user’s email and password
Creating a new user profile
Understanding WordPress user roles
Let’s get started!
Why Managing Users Is Important
User management helps you:
Protect your site: Updated emails and strong passwords keep accounts secure.
Control access: User roles limit what people can do, preventing mistakes or misuse.
Stay organized: Accurate user info makes team coordination easier.
1. How to Change a User’s Email and Password
Need to update an email or reset a password? Follow these steps:
Steps to Change Email or Password
Log into the WordPress dashboard
Enter your admin username and password to access the backend.
Go to the "Users" section
In the left-hand menu, click Users to see all registered users.
Select the user
Find the user in the list, hover over their name, and click Edit.
Update the email
Scroll to the Account Management section.
Enter the new email address in the Email field.
Reset the password
In the same section, click Set New Password.
Use the auto-generated password or type a custom one (e.g.,
Tr0ub4dor&3xplor3r).Tip: Strong passwords mix letters, numbers, and symbols.
Save changes
Click Update User at the bottom.
Best Practices
Double-check email accuracy for notifications and resets.
Encourage users to update passwords every few months.
2. How to Create a New User Profile
Adding a new user is simple—perfect for inviting team members or contributors.
Steps to Create a New User
Navigate to "Users"
From the dashboard, click Users in the left menu.
Click "Add New"
At the top of the page, select Add New.
Fill in the details
Username: Pick a unique name (e.g.,
jane_doe).Email: Add their email address.
Password: Set a strong password or let WordPress generate one.
Optional: Add first/last name for clarity.
Choose a user role
Pick a role from the dropdown (see the next section for details).
Notify the user
Check Send User Notification to email their login info.
Click Add New User.
Best Practices
Use a clear username pattern (e.g.,
firstname_lastname).Always send the notification so users can log in.
3. Understanding User Roles in WordPress
WordPress offers five default roles, each with specific permissions:
The Roles Explained
Administrator
Permissions: Full control—manage users, plugins, themes, and content.
Use case: Site owners or lead developers.
Editor
Permissions: Manage all content (posts, pages) but no site settings.
Use case: Content managers.
Author
Permissions: Write, edit, and publish their own posts.
Use case: Bloggers or regular writers.
Contributor
Permissions: Write posts but can’t publish (needs approval).
Use case: Guest writers or interns.
Subscriber
Permissions: View content and edit their profile.
Use case: Members or commenters.
Why Roles Matter
Security: Limits risky changes.
Clarity: Matches tasks to responsibilities.
Quick Tips
Review users: Remove inactive accounts regularly.
Limit admins: Only trusted users should have full access.
Stay updated: Keep emails and passwords current.
With these steps, you can confidently manage your WordPress users and keep your site running smoothly!