WordPress is a popular content management system known for its flexibility and extensive plugin ecosystem. One common concern for website owners is securing their WordPress admin area. By default, the WordPress admin URL is structured as www.yourwebsite.com/wp-admin/. However, changing the admin URL can add an extra layer of security by making it harder for malicious actors to access your website’s backend. In this article, we will guide you through the process of changing the WP admin URL in WordPress without using a plugin.
Step 1: Create a Backup
Before making any changes to your WordPress installation, it’s crucial to create a backup of your website. This ensures that you can revert to the previous state if anything goes wrong during the process. You can create a backup using a backup plugin or through your web hosting provider’s control panel.
Step 2: Access your WordPress Files
To change the WP admin URL, you need to access your WordPress files. There are multiple ways to access your WordPress files, but the most common method is using an FTP client. Connect to your website’s server using an FTP client like FileZilla or through the file manager provided by your web hosting control panel.
Step 3: Locate the .htaccess File
In the root directory of your WordPress installation, locate the .htaccess file. This file controls various aspects of your website’s configuration, including URL rewriting. Download a copy of the .htaccess file to your local computer as a backup before making any changes.
Step 4: Edit the .htaccess File
Open the .htaccess file in a text editor on your local computer. Add the following code at the top of the file:
<IfModule mod_rewrite.c>
RewriteEngine On
RewriteBase /
RewriteRule ^myadmin$ /wp-admin/index.php [L]
</IfModule>
In the code above, replace “myadmin” with your desired admin URL slug. For example, if you want your new admin URL to be “secureadmin,” replace “myadmin” with “secureadmin.” Save the changes to the .htaccess file.
Step 5: Upload the Updated .htaccess File
Using your FTP client, upload the updated .htaccess file to the root directory of your WordPress installation, replacing the existing .htaccess file. Make sure to overwrite the file, as this is a critical step in redirecting the admin URL.
Step 6: Test the New Admin URL
With the updated .htaccess file in place, you can now test the new admin URL. Open your web browser and enter your website’s URL followed by the new admin URL slug. For example, if your website is “www.yourwebsite.com” and the new admin URL slug is “secureadmin,” you would enter “www.yourwebsite.com/secureadmin.” If everything is set up correctly, you should be redirected to the WordPress login page.
Step 7: Update Permalinks
After changing the WP admin URL, it’s essential to update the permalinks in your WordPress settings. This step ensures that the internal links within your website are updated to reflect the new admin URL structure.
a. Log in to your WordPress admin area using the new admin URL.
b. Go to “Settings” and click on “Permalinks.”
c. Without making any changes, click on the “Save Changes” button to update the permalinks.
Changing the WP admin URL in WordPress without using a plugin can help enhance the security of your website. By following the step-by-step guide outlined above, you can easily modify the .htaccess file to redirect the admin URL to a custom slug of your choice. Remember to create a backup of your website before making any changes and test the new admin URL to ensure proper functionality. Take proactive measures to protect your WordPress admin area and safeguard your website from potential threats.
