If your WordPress website still uses the default login page (/wp-login.php or /wp-admin), you’re making it much easier for automated bots to find your website’s login screen.
Every day, thousands of bots scan the internet looking for WordPress websites using the default login URL. Once they find it, they attempt password guessing, brute-force attacks, credential stuffing, and other automated login attempts.
Fortunately, there’s a simple solution: change your WordPress login URL.
In this guide, you’ll learn why changing your login URL improves security, how it works, and how to customize it safely.
Why Is the Default WordPress Login URL a Security Risk?
By default, every WordPress installation uses:
- yourdomain.com/wp-login.php
- yourdomain.com/wp-admin
Since these URLs are publicly known, attackers don’t need to search for them—they already know exactly where to go.
Although changing your login URL doesn’t replace strong passwords or two-factor authentication, it dramatically reduces automated attacks by hiding the entrance from bots.
Think of it as removing the front door that every attacker expects to find.
Benefits of Changing Your Login URL
Changing your login URL offers several advantages:
- Reduces brute-force login attempts
- Blocks many automated bots before they reach your login form
- Decreases unnecessary server load
- Helps reduce spam login requests
- Makes your website more difficult for attackers to target
- Adds another layer to your WordPress security strategy
This approach is often referred to as security through obscurity. While it shouldn’t be your only security measure, it’s an excellent first line of defense.
How Login URL Customization Works
Instead of using:
example.com/wp-login.php
you can create something like:
example.com/my-dashboard or example.com/secure-login
When someone tries to visit the old login URL, they can be:
- redirected to the homepage,
- shown a 404 page,
- or blocked completely.
Legitimate users simply bookmark the new login page and continue logging in normally.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can hackers still find my custom login URL?
A determined attacker might eventually discover it, but changing the login URL prevents the vast majority of automated scans and bot attacks.
Will this break my website?
No. When implemented correctly, changing the login URL only changes where users log in.
Can I change it again later?
Yes. Most plugins allow you to modify the login URL whenever needed.
What happens to /wp-login.php?
Depending on your configuration, visitors can be redirected, shown a 404 error, or denied access entirely.
Is changing the login URL enough for security?
No. It should be part of a complete WordPress security strategy that includes strong passwords, two-factor authentication, backups, and regular updates.