Suddenly unable to log into the WordPress admin dashboard…

• “Incorrect password” message appears
• Login screen goes blank
• 500 error occurs
• Login URL has been changed

These types of issues are very common, and in Japan, “wordpress login” and “wordpress login issues” are consistently top search keywords.

This article provides a complete explanation by cause and detailed step-by-step instructions that even beginners can follow to resolve the issue.

Table of Contents

1. Verify WordPress Login URL
2. Reset Password
3. Disable Plugins
4. Revert to Default Theme
5. Check .htaccess
6. Check PHP Version
7. Change Password from Database
8. Security Measures and Prevention

Verify WordPress Login URL

The first thing to check is the login URL.

Standard login URLs are:

https://yourdomain.com/wp-admin
https://yourdomain.com/wp-login.php

Common Causes

• URL changed by security plugin
• Blocked by WAF
• Server restrictions

Solutions

• Check security plugins (e.g., SiteGuard)
• Temporarily disable WAF in hosting control panel

Reset Password

If “Incorrect password” message appears:

1. Click “Lost your password?” on the login screen
2. Enter your registered email address
3. Reset from the link provided

Disable Plugins (Most Common Cause)

Login issues immediately after updates are very common.

Disabling via FTP

1. Connect to server via FTP
2. /wp-content/ Open the directory
3. plugins Rename the folder

Example:

plugins → plugins_old

This will disable all plugins.

Once you can log in, identify the problematic plugin.

Revert to Default Theme

The theme may also be the cause.

Via FTP:

wp-content/themes/

Rename the currently active theme folder.

WordPress will automatically switch to the default theme (Twenty Twenty series).

Check .htaccess

.htaccessCorruption is very common.

Delete it once, then regenerate it from the admin panel via

“Settings → Permalinks → Save”

to regenerate.

Check PHP Version

Outdated PHP can cause login errors.

Recommended:

• PHP 8.1 or higher

You can check this from your server control panel.

Change Password from Database (Last Resort)

In phpMyAdmin:

1. wp_users Open the table
2. user_pass Edit
3. Change function to MD5
4. Enter new password

Security Measures to Prevent WordPress Login Issues

• Use strong passwords
• Implement two-factor authentication
• Regular backups
• Install security plugins
• Keep PHP and WordPress updated to latest versions

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1. Login screen goes blank

→ Memory shortage or plugin conflict

Q2. “403 Forbidden” error appears

→ WAF or file permission error

Summary

Most WordPress login issues are caused by:

• Plugins
• PHP version
• .htaccess
• Security settings

Following the correct steps will resolve most issues.

Professional WordPress Maintenance and Recovery Services

If you cannot resolve the issue on your own, entrusting it to specialists is the safest option.

We offer:

• Emergency login issue support
• Security enhancement
• Site recovery
• Maintenance and operation support

services.

👉 Please feel free to contact us.