Locked Out After Too Many Login Attempts – Disable security plugin via FTP.

Have you ever been locked out of your WordPress site after entering the wrong password too many times? Don’t worry—you are not alone. Many WordPress users face this frustrating issue due to security plugins that block login attempts after several failed tries. While these plugins are great for protecting your website from hackers, sometimes they end up locking out the real owner as well. The good news is that you can fix this problem by disabling the security plugin via FTP. In this complete guide, we’ll walk you through every step in detail.

👉 Before diving into the solution, here’s a quick note: if you ever need professional help with WordPress design and troubleshooting, you can reach out to experts who can resolve issues quickly and keep your site secure.

Why Do You Get Locked Out After Too Many Login Attempts?

WordPress security plugins like Wordfence, iThemes Security, or Limit Login Attempts are designed to protect your site from brute force attacks. Hackers often try thousands of password combinations to break into your site. To block them, these plugins limit the number of login attempts allowed. However, if you forget your password or mistype it multiple times, you may also get locked out, even though you’re the site owner.

How To Fix The Locked Out Issue – Step-by-Step Guide

The easiest way to regain access is by disabling the security plugin using FTP (File Transfer Protocol). Here’s how:

Step 1: Install and Access an FTP Client

• Download an FTP client like FileZilla or use your hosting control panel’s file manager.
• Log in with your FTP credentials (provided by your hosting provider).

Step 2: Locate Your WordPress Installation

• Once connected, navigate to the root directory of your WordPress site.
• Usually, this is in the folder named public_html or www.

Step 3: Open the Plugins Folder

• Go to wp-content → plugins.
• Here, you will find all the plugins installed on your website.

Step 4: Rename the Security Plugin Folder

• Find the folder of the plugin that locked you out (for example, wordfence or ithemes-security).
• Right-click and rename it to something like wordfence-disabled.
• By renaming the folder, WordPress will no longer load that plugin, and the lockout will be removed.

Step 5: Try Logging In Again

• Go to your WordPress login page (yoursite.com/wp-admin).
• Now you should be able to log in without any problem.

Step 6: Re-enable The Plugin (Optional)

• Once you’ve logged in, you can rename the plugin folder back to its original name.
• Login restrictions will be restored, but this time you can reset your password or whitelist your IP address to prevent future lockouts.

Alternative Methods to Unlock Your Site

If FTP feels too technical, here are other ways you can fix the issue:

• Hosting File Manager: Use your hosting cPanel file manager instead of an FTP client.
• Disable via Database: Access phpMyAdmin and disable the plugin from the wp_options table.
• Contact Hosting Support: Many hosting companies can disable plugins for you on request.

How To Prevent Future Lockouts

While security plugins are important, you don’t want to be locked out again. Here are some tips to prevent this issue:

• Use Strong Passwords: Create strong, unique passwords that are hard to guess.
• Enable Two-Factor Authentication: Add an extra layer of login protection.
• Whitelist Your IP Address: Configure your security plugin to allow unlimited attempts from your IP.
• Limit Login Attempts: Keep the protection but adjust the settings to allow more attempts before lockout.

Why Professional Help Matters

If you manage a business website, downtime can cost you money and customers. Instead of struggling with technical fixes, it’s better to rely on professionals who can secure, optimize, and maintain your site. At Next Level Design Agency, we provide complete WordPress support, web design, and security management to keep your website safe and running smoothly.

Final Thoughts

Getting locked out of WordPress after too many login attempts can feel frustrating, but it’s actually easy to fix if you know the right steps. By disabling the security plugin via FTP, you can quickly regain access to your website. Once inside, make sure to reset your password, whitelist your IP, and configure your security settings to prevent this from happening again.

Remember, protecting your website is important, but so is keeping it accessible for you. If you ever face recurring issues or need expert help, don’t hesitate to reach out to Next Level Design Agency for professional web solutions.