Introduction

If you want to improve your website’s security, one of the first steps is to Change WordPress Login URL. By default, every WordPress website uses /wp-login.php or /wp-admin as the login page, making it an easy target for bots and brute force attacks.

Changing the login URL doesn’t replace strong passwords or security plugins, but it adds an extra layer of protection by hiding the default login page. In this guide, I’ll show you the safest methods to change the login URL without editing code.

Table of Contents

• Why Change the WordPress Login URL?
• Benefits of a Custom Login URL
• Things to Do Before Changing It
• Method 1: Use the WPS Hide Login Plugin
• Method 2: Change the Login URL with Security Plugins
• Common Mistakes
• FAQs
• Final Thoughts

Why Change the WordPress Login URL?

Every WordPress installation uses the same default login paths:

• /wp-login.php
• /wp-admin

Hackers and automated bots constantly scan websites looking for these URLs to launch brute force attacks.

By changing the login URL, you make it much harder for bots to find your login page.

Benefits of Changing the Login URL

Using a custom login URL offers several advantages:

• Reduces brute force attacks
• Hides the default login page
• Decreases bot traffic
• Improves overall website security
• Works alongside security plugins
• Easy to configure without coding

Although it doesn’t stop all attacks, it’s an effective first line of defense.

Before You Change the Login URL

Before making any changes:

• Create a full website backup.
• Update WordPress, themes, and plugins.
• Make sure you have administrator access.
• Save the new login URL in a secure place.
• Clear your browser cache after changing the URL.

These precautions help you avoid getting locked out of your website.

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https://wpwitharb.com/how-to-secure-your-wordpress-site-from-hackers/

Method 1: Change WordPress Login URL Using WPS Hide Login

The easiest and safest method is using the free WPS Hide Login plugin.

Step 1

Go to:

Plugins → Add New

Search for:

WPS Hide Login

Install and activate the plugin.

External DoFollow Link:
https://wordpress.org/plugins/wps-hide-login/

Step 2

Navigate to:

Settings → WPS Hide Login

You’ll see a field to enter your new login URL.

Example:

https://yourdomain.com/my-login

Choose a unique slug that is difficult to guess.

Avoid common names like:

• login
• admin
• wp-admin
• dashboard

Step 3

Click Save Changes.

Your old login URLs (/wp-login.php and /wp-admin) will no longer work for visitors.

Use the new custom URL whenever you need to log in.

Method 2: Change Login URL with Security Plugins

Several WordPress security plugins include a login URL customization feature.

Popular options include:

• Wordfence
• All In One WP Security
• iThemes Security
• Solid Security

These plugins also provide:

• Login attempt limits
• Two-factor authentication
• Malware scanning
• Firewall protection
• Bot blocking

Using a security plugin combines multiple layers of protection in one place.

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Test the New Login URL

After saving the changes:

1. Open a private/incognito browser window.
2. Visit your new login URL.
3. Log in successfully.
4. Try visiting /wp-login.php.

If configured correctly, the default login page should no longer be accessible.

Method 3: Protect Your Login Page with Cloudflare

If your website uses Cloudflare, you can add another layer of security by protecting your login page.

Cloudflare allows you to:

• Block malicious bots
• Challenge suspicious visitors
• Enable Web Application Firewall (WAF)
• Reduce brute force attacks
• Protect against DDoS attacks

Create a Firewall Rule that targets your custom login URL and requires a Managed Challenge or other appropriate protection.

External DoFollow Link:
https://developers.cloudflare.com/waf/

Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

Changing your login URL is helpful, but enabling Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) provides much stronger protection.

With 2FA enabled, users must enter:

• Username
• Password
• One-time verification code

Even if someone discovers your password, they won’t be able to access your website without the second authentication factor.

Popular plugins include:

• Wordfence Login Security
• miniOrange Google Authenticator
• Solid Security

Limit Login Attempts

Bots usually attempt hundreds or thousands of passwords.

Limiting login attempts blocks these attacks automatically.

Recommended settings:

• Maximum Attempts: 3–5
• Lockout Duration: 20–30 minutes
• Permanent Block After: 5 lockouts

Most security plugins include this feature.

Disable XML-RPC (If You Don’t Use It)

XML-RPC is an older WordPress feature that attackers sometimes abuse for brute force attacks.

If you don’t use the WordPress mobile app or remote publishing tools, consider disabling XML-RPC.

Many security plugins provide a one-click option to disable it.

You can verify whether XML-RPC is enabled by visiting:

https://yourdomain.com/xmlrpc.php

If it’s disabled, the page should not allow XML-RPC requests.

Keep Your Login URL Secret

After changing the login URL:

• Don’t share it publicly.
• Don’t include it in website menus.
• Save it in your password manager.
• Bookmark it in your browser.
• Remove any references to the default login page.

The fewer people who know the URL, the better.

Additional WordPress Login Security Tips

For maximum protection:

• Use a strong administrator password.
• Enable Two-Factor Authentication.
• Keep WordPress updated.
• Update plugins regularly.
• Remove inactive plugins.
• Delete unused themes.
• Install a trusted security plugin.
• Enable automatic backups.
• Use HTTPS on your website.

Security works best when multiple protective measures are combined.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid these common errors:

• Choosing an obvious login slug such as /login.
• Forgetting the new login URL.
• Not creating a website backup.
• Disabling all security plugins.
• Ignoring WordPress updates.
• Using weak administrator passwords.
• Sharing the login URL with unnecessary users.

Small mistakes can reduce the effectiveness of your security setup.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does changing the login URL stop hackers?

It significantly reduces automated brute force attacks by hiding the default login page, but it should be combined with strong passwords, 2FA, and a security plugin.

Can I change the login URL without coding?

Yes. The WPS Hide Login plugin allows you to change the login URL in just a few clicks without editing any files.

What happens if I forget my new login URL?

You can temporarily disable the WPS Hide Login plugin through your hosting File Manager or FTP to restore the default WordPress login URL.

Is changing the login URL safe?

Yes. When using a trusted plugin and following best practices, changing the login URL is a safe and recommended security measure.

Related Articles

Continue improving your WordPress website security and performance:

• https://wpwitharb.com/how-to-secure-your-wordpress-site-from-hackers/
• https://wpwitharb.com/how-to-fix-500-internal-server-error-in-wordpress/
• https://wpwitharb.com/error-establishing-a-database-connection/
• https://wpwitharb.com/increase-php-memory-limit/
• https://wpwitharb.com/failed-to-write-file-to-disk/

Final Thoughts

Learning how to Change WordPress Login URL is one of the simplest ways to reduce automated login attacks on your website. While it isn’t a complete security solution by itself, it effectively hides the default login page from bots and adds another layer of protection.

For the best results, combine a custom login URL with strong passwords, Two-Factor Authentication, login attempt limits, regular updates, and reliable security plugins. Together, these practices will make your WordPress website much more resistant to unauthorized access.