How to Manually Add an Admin User via phpMyAdmin

If you are locked out of your WordPress dashboard, your "Lost your password?" emails aren't arriving, or you have a critical error preventing a standard login, you can create a new administrator account directly in your database.

This method bypasses the WordPress interface entirely and works even if the website is "broken" or showing a White Screen of Death.

Step 1: Access phpMyAdmin

1. Log in to your Nixzoehost Client Area.

2. Open cPanel and locate the Databases section.

3. Click on phpMyAdmin.

4. In the left-hand sidebar, click on your websites database name (usually formatted like username_wpXXX).

Step 2: Add the User to wp_users

We first need to create the basic user profile.

1. Look for the table named wp_users (Note: your table prefix might be different, like nx_users). Click on it.

2. Click the Insert tab at the top of the page.

3. Fill in the following fields:

   • ID: Enter a high number that doesn't exist yet (e.g., 555).

   • user_login: The username you want to use (e.g., nixzoeadmin).

   • user_pass: Type your password, then in the Function column, select MD5 from the dropdown menu. (This is criticalit encrypts your password so WordPress can read it).

   • user_nicename: Your nickname.

   • user_email: Your email address.

   • user_registered: Select todays date/time.

   • user_status: Set to 0.

4. Click Go at the bottom.

Step 3: Assign Admin Permissions in wp_usermeta

Now that the user exists, we must tell WordPress that this user is an Administrator.

1. Find the table named wp_usermeta and click on it.

2. Click the Insert tab.

3. Fill in the first row (the Role):

   • unmeta_id: Leave blank.

   • user_id: Enter the ID you used in Step 2 (e.g., 555).

   • meta_key: Type wp_capabilities.

   • meta_value: Copy and paste this exact text: a:1:{s:13:"administrator";s:1:"1";}

4. Fill in the second row (the Level):

   • unmeta_id: Leave blank.

   • user_id: Enter the same ID (e.g., 555).

   • meta_key: Type wp_user_level.

   • meta_value: Type 10.

5. Click Go.

Step 4: Verify and Log In

1. Navigate to yourdomain.com/wp-admin.

2. Log in with the username and password you just created in phpMyAdmin.

3. Success! You now have full access to your site again.

Why this is a "Power User" Feature

Nixzoehost Security Note: Once you have regained access and fixed your primary account, we recommend deleting the temporary admin user you created via phpMyAdmin for security. Alternatively, use the WordPress Management dashboard's "One-Click Login" to reset your password properly from within the site.