WPS Hide Login：Secure Your WordPress Login Page Fast

Your WordPress website is a valuable asset, and it’s completely understandable to worry about protecting it. With WordPress powering over 43% of the entire internet, it’s the world’s most popular content management system (CMS), but that popularity also makes it the biggest target for hackers.1 Automated bots and malicious scripts are constantly scanning the web, looking for the default WordPress login page—your digital front door. It’s estimated that thousands of WordPress sites are compromised every day, with some reports indicating attacks happen as frequently as every 32 minutes.2

These attacks, known as brute-force attacks, relentlessly hammer the standard login URLs (your-site.com/wp-admin or your-site.com/wp-login.php) trying to guess your password.5 This not only poses a significant security risk but can also overload your server and slow down your site.

Fortunately, there’s a simple and effective first step you can take to stop these automated attacks in their tracks: hiding your login page. This is where a lightweight and popular plugin like WPS Hide Login comes in. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through exactly how to use it, discuss its role in a larger security strategy, and compare it to other powerful security tools.

How to Hide Your WordPress Login Page with WPS Hide Login

One of the best things about the WPS Hide Login plugin is its simplicity. It offers a powerful security boost without being complicated or risky to implement. It’s a strategy known as “security through obscurity”—making the target harder to find.7 While this isn’t a complete security solution on its own (more on that later), it’s incredibly effective at eliminating the vast majority of automated bot attacks.8

How Does It Work?

Unlike more complex methods that involve editing core WordPress files or writing server rules in your .htaccess file, WPS Hide Login takes a much safer approach. It simply intercepts page requests.10 When a bot or user tries to visit the now-defunct

/wp-admin or /wp-login.php pages, the plugin redirects them to a page of your choosing, typically a 404 “Not Found” page.

This method has several key advantages:

• It’s Lightweight: It doesn’t add significant load to your website.
• It’s Safe: It doesn’t modify any core WordPress files, so there’s no risk of breaking your site with a bad edit.9
• It’s Reversible: If you ever want to go back to the default setup, you just have to deactivate the plugin.11
• It’s Compatible: The plugin works well with most other WordPress plugins, including Jetpack, BuddyPress, and various caching and security tools.9

Step-by-Step Guide to Installing and Configuring WPS Hide Login

Setting up the plugin takes just a few minutes. Follow these simple steps to change your login URL.

1. Install and Activate the Plugin: From your WordPress dashboard, navigate to Plugins > Add New. In the search bar, type “WPS Hide Login”. You’ll see the plugin by WPServeur. Click “Install Now” and then “Activate”.5
2. Navigate to Settings: Once activated, you can find the plugin’s settings in one of two places, depending on your WordPress version. Go to Settings > General and scroll to the very bottom, or look for a new menu item under Settings > WPS Hide Login.5
3. Configure Your New URLs: You will see two important fields:
   • Login URL: This is where you’ll enter your new, secret login path. By default, it might say login. Change this to something unique and hard to guess. Avoid common words like “login,” “admin,” or “dashboard.” Think of something memorable to you but random to others, like my-secret-portal or taco-tuesday-access.
   • Redirection URL: This is the page that anyone trying to access the old wp-admin or wp-login.php will be sent to. By default, it’s set to a 404 error page, which is a perfect choice. It tells bots there’s nothing here to see.5
4. Save and Bookmark: Click “Save Changes.” This is the most important part: Immediately bookmark your new login URL (e.g., yoursite.com/my-secret-portal). If you forget it, you won’t be able to log in.5

That’s it! Your old login page is now inaccessible, and you’ve successfully hidden your digital front door from automated scanners.

What to Do If You Forget Your Login URL and Get Locked Out

It happens. You set a clever new URL, forget to bookmark it, and now you’re locked out of your own site. Don’t panic! Because WPS Hide Login doesn’t alter core files, getting back in is straightforward.

• Method 1: The FTP/cPanel Fix (Easiest)This is the simplest method and works for everyone. You’ll need access to your website’s files through an FTP client (like FileZilla) or your hosting provider’s File Manager in cPanel.
  1. Connect to your server and navigate to your WordPress root directory.
  2. Go into the /wp-content/plugins/ folder.
  3. Find the folder named wps-hide-login.
  4. Rename it to something else, like wps-hide-login-disabled.5This action instantly deactivates the plugin. You can now log in again using the default yoursite.com/wp-admin URL. Once you’re in, you can rename the folder back and set a new login URL—just be sure to write it down this time!
• Method 2: The Database Fix (Advanced)If you’re comfortable working with your database, you can find the custom URL directly.
  1. Log in to phpMyAdmin through your hosting control panel.
  2. Select your WordPress database.
  3. Find the wp_options table (the prefix wp_ may be different).
  4. Search for the option_name called whl_page. The value in the option_value column for that row is your custom login slug.10

The fact that the most common problem with this plugin is simple user error—forgetting the URL—speaks to its technical stability. By providing a clear and easy recovery plan, you can use this tool with confidence, knowing you have a safety net.

The Great Debate: Is Hiding Your Login Really Security?

Now that you know how to hide your login page, let’s address the bigger question: does this actually make your site more secure? The answer is nuanced. Hiding your login URL is a tactic known as security through obscurity. It’s not about making the lock stronger, but about hiding the door so no one can try to pick the lock in the first place.7

There are two main schools of thought on this:

• The Argument For: It works. For the vast majority of threats—automated bots programmed to attack only wp-admin and wp-login.php—this method is nearly 100% effective. It drastically reduces server load from failed login attempts, cleans up your security logs, and stops the most common type of attack cold.9 For many site owners, this is a massive quality-of-life improvement.
• The Argument Against: It provides a false sense of security. Security experts, including the team at Wordfence, argue that obscurity is not true security.17 A determined human attacker or a more sophisticated bot can still find your login page. For example, usernames can often be discovered through the WordPress REST API by visitingyoursite.com/wp-json/wp/v2/users.19 If an attacker knows your username, they can still attempt a brute-force attack if they find your hidden login page. Furthermore, changing the login URL can sometimes cause compatibility issues with themes or plugins that have hardcoded the default login path.18

So, what’s the verdict? Both sides are right. Hiding your login page is an excellent and highly recommended first step. It’s a simple, low-effort action with a high reward in stopping nuisance attacks. However, it should never be your only security measure.

Building a Layered Defense: A Holistic Security Model

True WordPress security isn’t about a single plugin or trick; it’s about building multiple layers of defense. Each layer protects against a different type of threat, so if one fails, another is there to catch it. Think of it as securing a fortress.

Using WPS Hide Login is like taking your front door off the main street and moving it to a quiet alley. It’s a smart move. But you still need strong locks on that door (strong passwords and 2FA), an alarm system that goes off after too many failed key turns (limit login attempts), and a security guard checking everyone who approaches the building (a WAF).

Beyond WPS Hide Login: A Look at the Security Marketplace

This brings us to a key decision point for any site owner: is a collection of single-purpose plugins enough, or should you invest in an all-in-one security suite?

• DIY Approach (Single-Purpose Plugins): This involves combining best-in-class free plugins like WPS Hide Login, Limit Login Attempts Reloaded, and a 2FA plugin.
  • Pros: It’s free, lightweight, and you get to pick and choose the components you want.
  • Cons: You have to manage multiple plugins, and there’s no central dashboard or unified support.
• All-in-One Security Suites: These are comprehensive plugins that bundle multiple security features into one package. The “big three” in the WordPress space are Wordfence, Sucuri, and Solid Security (formerly iThemes Security).

Let’s see how they stack up.

The choice between these tools often comes down to your site’s specific needs and your budget. A personal blog has different requirements than an e-commerce store processing sensitive customer data.

• If you’re a freelancer or blogger on a budget, starting with the free version of Wordfence combined with WPS Hide Login and a 2FA plugin offers robust protection.
• If you’re a small business owner where downtime or a hack would be costly, Sucuri’s platform is an excellent investment. Its cloud-based WAF won’t slow down your site, and the included cleanup service is like having a security team on call.26
• If you prioritize ease of use and want to heavily fortify user accounts with features like passwordless login and trusted devices, Solid Security is a fantastic, user-friendly choice.24

Advanced URL and Access Management

For those who want to go beyond the basics, there are more advanced ways to manage your site’s URLs and control who has access.

Removing “wp” From Your URLs

A common question from site owners is how to remove WordPress “footprints” from their URLs, like /wp-content/ or a /wordpress/ directory in the URL. While this has a minimal impact on security, it can improve the professionalism of your site’s branding.

• Removing /wordpress/ from a URL: This usually happens when WordPress was installed in a subdirectory. The fix involves going to Settings > General, changing the ‘Site Address (URL)’ to your root domain (e.g., https://example.com), and then moving the index.php and .htaccess files from the /wordpress/ directory to your site’s root folder.31
• Removing /wp-content/: This is more complex and involves defining new paths for WP_CONTENT_DIR and WP_CONTENT_URL in your wp-config.php file. This should only be attempted by advanced users, as it can easily break your site’s theme and plugin paths if done incorrectly.33

The Principle of Least Privilege: Is It Safe to Give Admin Access?

This is one of the most critical questions a site owner can ask. The short answer is no, you should avoid giving out Administrator access whenever possible.34 The “Administrator” role in WordPress has the power to do everything, including deleting other users (like you) and destroying the site.

Instead, follow the Principle of Least Privilege: grant users only the minimum level of access they need to perform their job.

Best Practices for Granting Access to Developers or Freelancers:

1. Never Share Your Own Credentials: This is the golden rule. It’s insecure and creates an accountability nightmare.36
2. Create a New, Separate User Account: Always create a new user for the person who needs access. Go to Users > Add New.34
3. Assign the Correct Role: If they only need to write or edit posts, assign the “Editor” role, not “Administrator”.37
4. Use a Temporary Login Plugin: This is the safest and most professional method. Plugins like Temporary Login Without Password allow you to create a special, self-expiring link that grants access for a limited time without a password. The access automatically revokes after the time is up, so you never have to remember to delete the user.39
5. Delete the Account When Done: If you created a permanent account, delete it as soon as the work is finished.34

Your Actionable Security Blueprint

WordPress security can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. By taking a layered approach, you can build a formidable defense for your site. Here are two simple checklists to get you started.

The Beginner’s 5-Minute Security Checklist

If you’re just starting, these four steps will dramatically improve your site’s security.

1. Hide Your Login Page: Install WPS Hide Login, set a unique URL, and bookmark it.
2. Limit Login Attempts: Install Limit Login Attempts Reloaded to protect against brute-force guessing.
3. Use a Strong Password: Go to Users > Profile and make sure your password is long, complex, and not used anywhere else.
4. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Install a plugin like WP 2FA and activate it for your admin account. This is one of the single most effective security measures you can take.22

The SMB & Freelancer’s Security Standard

For businesses, agencies, and freelancers managing client sites, the standard is higher.

1. Implement the Beginner’s Checklist: All the basics must be in place.
2. Invest in a Premium Security Suite: Choose a solution like Wordfence Premium, Sucuri, or Solid Security Pro based on your budget and needs as outlined in our comparison table. A Web Application Firewall (WAF) is non-negotiable for a business site.
3. Enforce SSL: Ensure your site uses HTTPS to encrypt all data traffic.
4. Establish Secure Access Protocols: Never share passwords. Use temporary login plugins for all third-party access.
5. Change the Default ‘admin’ Username: If your site still has a user named “admin,” create a new administrator account with a unique name and delete the old one.43
6. Improve User Experience: For sites with multiple user roles (like membership or e-commerce sites), consider hiding the top admin bar for non-administrator roles to provide a cleaner front-end experience and prevent confusion.45

By moving from simple obscurity to a truly fortified, multi-layered defense, you can transform your WordPress site from an easy target into a secure digital fortress. Hiding your login page with WPS Hide Login is the perfect place to start that journey.