How to Log In to WordPress

By the end of this module you will be able to log in to your website’s dashboard from any computer, and log out safely when you’re done.

• Find your website’s login page
• Log in with your username and password
• Recognize the WordPress dashboard when you see it
• Log out safely, and get back in if you’ve forgotten your password

1. Open your web browser (Chrome, Safari, Edge — any is fine).
2. In the address bar at the very top, type your website’s address followed by /wp-admin. For example: www.yourwebsite.com/wp-admin — then press Enter.
3. You’ll see the WordPress login screen: two boxes labelled Username or Email Address and Password, with a blue Log In button.
4. Type the username and password GM&F provided for you. Passwords are case-sensitive — capital letters matter.
5. Optional: tick Remember Me if this is your own computer (never on a shared or public computer).
6. Click Log In. You’ll land on the Dashboard — a screen with a dark menu down the left side. If you can see that dark left-hand menu, you’re in.
7. To log out: move your mouse to the very top-right corner where it says Howdy, [your name], and choose Log Out from the little menu that appears.

Forgot your password? On the login screen, click Lost your password?, enter your email, and WordPress will email you a reset link. If the email doesn’t arrive within a few minutes, check spam — and if it’s still missing, contact GM&F and we’ll reset it for you.

• Log in to your website right now, then log all the way out, then log in again — twice. It should start to feel automatic.
• Bookmark your login page in your browser so you never have to remember the address.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Typing the login address into Google instead of the address bar. Googling “my website login” leads to the wrong place. Type yourwebsite.com/wp-admin directly into the address bar at the top.
• Guessing at the password repeatedly. After several wrong tries, security software may temporarily lock you out. Two failed attempts? Stop and use Lost your password? instead.
• Ticking “Remember Me” on a shared computer. Anyone who opens that browser next would be logged into your website.
• Sharing your login by email or text. If a colleague needs access, ask GM&F — we’ll set them up properly with their own login.