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WordPress Admin Password Reset with WP-CLI

What Will You Learn in This Guide?​

In this guide, you will learn how to reset WordPress admin password via command line.
With WP-CLI, you will provide a fast and safe solution without entering the database.

🧠 Phase 1 – Analyze Content (Technical Summary)​

Main Technical Topic: Resetting WordPress admin password with WP-CLI
Problem solved: Loss of wp-admin access
Steps Followed: User listing → Password update → Login test

Prerequisites​

  • Linux server with SSH access
  • A working WordPress installation
  • WP-CLI must be installed
  • User with authority sudo

Sample environment: GenixNode – Ubuntu 22.04 – Apache/Nginx

1️⃣ Switching to WordPress Directory​

  1. First, enter the directory where WordPress is installed.
cd /var/www/html
  • This command switches to the WordPress home directory. Your directory path may be different.

2️⃣ Listing WordPress Users​

  1. Let's learn the user ID to reset the password.

wp user list
  • This command lists all WordPress users.

Sample Output

ID user_login display_name user_email 1 genixnode_admin GenixNode Admin admin@ornek.com

-Make note of the ID information of the user whose password will be reset.

3️⃣ Updating Admin Password​

  1. Use your own information in the command below.

wp user update 1 --user_pass=YeniGucluSifre

  • This command changes the password of the specified user ID.

  • If successful, you will see the following message: Success: Updated user 1.

4️⃣ Testing New Password​

  1. Go to the administration panel from the browser:

https://alan-adiniz.com/wp-admin

If you can log in with the new password, the process is complete 🎉

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)​

1. What is WP-CLI, why is it used? WP-CLI allows you to manage WordPress without a browser. It is the fastest method to reset your password.

2. I get the error You cannot run this command as root If you are running the command as root, add the following parameter:


wp user list --allow-root

3. Can the password be changed without a user ID? Yes, username or email can also be used. However, using ID is safer.

4. Will this process damage the database? No. WP-CLI uses WordPress' own functions.

5. What should I do if WP-CLI is not installed? You can install wp-cli.phar by downloading it and moving it to /usr/local/bin/wp.

🚀 Result​

Thanks to WP-CLI, you have reset WordPress admin password in seconds. No panel, email or phpMyAdmin required.

You can immediately try WP-CLI supported WordPress servers on the GenixNode platform.