A classic: you cannot log in, you click Lost your password, and the email never arrives. Here are the three ways, from simplest to most serious.
Way 1: the reset email (if it arrives)
If it does not, WordPress usually is not sending any mail at all (see our SMTP article). Check spam too. If that is it — fix SMTP; you will need it for orders and forms anyway.
Way 2: via phpMyAdmin (most reliable)
- cPanel → phpMyAdmin → select your site database
- First: Export — take a copy before anything
- Table wp_users (the prefix may differ) → find your user → Edit
- In user_pass: type a new password and set the Function column to MD5 → Go
- Log in with it and change it IMMEDIATELY from your profile (WordPress will re-hash it properly)
Way 3: via functions.php (quick)
In cPanel → File Manager open your theme (wp-content/themes/your-theme/functions.php) and at the top add a wp_set_password call with a new password and the user ID (usually 1). Refresh the site once, log in — then delete that line without fail, or the password resets on every load.
Warnings
- Always back up the database first — one wrong column and the site stops
- Do not leave temporary lines in functions.php — that is a security hole
- If you suspect someone got in — this is not a forgotten password but a hack: change EVERYTHING and read our hacked-site article
The easier way
If your site is with us — just call. We restore access in minutes, safely, and check whether it is forgetfulness or something more serious.