Why You Can’t Change Your Admin Email in WordPress: Explained

Manage your WordPress site effectively with the crucial WordPress Admin Email. Stay informed about site activities, receive notifications, and maintain control over your installation.
The WordPress Admin Email is an essential component of managing a WordPress site. It is the email address associated with the site’s administrator account and is used for various purposes, such as receiving notifications, password resets, and important updates. The Admin Email is crucial for site owners to stay informed about their site’s activities and to maintain control over their WordPress installation.
Importance of Admin Email in WordPress
The Admin Email plays a vital role in managing a WordPress site. It is the primary means of communication between the site and its administrator. Without a valid Admin Email, site owners may miss out on important notifications, such as new user registrations, comments, or plugin updates. Additionally, the Admin Email is required for password resets, which are crucial in case the administrator forgets their login credentials.
Furthermore, the Admin Email is used for critical administrative functions, such as receiving notifications about core updates, theme and plugin updates, and security alerts. These notifications help site owners stay informed about potential vulnerabilities or issues that may arise on their site. By having a valid and regularly monitored Admin Email, site owners can ensure that they are aware of any necessary actions they need to take to keep their site secure and up-to-date.
Reasons for Changing Admin Email in WordPress
There are several reasons why site owners may need to change their Admin Email in WordPress. One common reason is when the original email address associated with the administrator account becomes invalid or inaccessible. This can happen if the email provider shuts down or if the owner changes their email address.
Another reason for changing the Admin Email is when there is a change in ownership or administration of the website. For example, if a company hires a new webmaster or if ownership of the site is transferred to a new individual or organisation, it may be necessary to update the Admin Email to reflect the new responsible party.
Changing the Admin Email can also be beneficial for security reasons. If the original Admin Email has been compromised or is at risk of being hacked, it is advisable to change it to a more secure email address. This helps prevent unauthorised access to the site and ensures that the site owner has full control over their WordPress installation.
Limitations of Changing Admin Email in WordPress
While changing the Admin Email in WordPress can be necessary and beneficial, it is important to be aware of the potential limitations and drawbacks. One limitation is that changing the Admin Email may result in a temporary loss of access to certain functions or notifications. For example, if the new Admin Email is not set up correctly or if there are issues with the email server, the site owner may not receive important notifications until the issue is resolved.
Another limitation is that changing the Admin Email may require updating other settings or configurations within WordPress. For example, if the site uses a contact form plugin that sends emails to the Admin Email, it may be necessary to update the plugin settings to ensure that emails are sent to the new email address. Failure to update these settings can result in missed messages or inquiries from site visitors.
Security Concerns with Admin Email in WordPress
The Admin Email in WordPress can be a potential security risk if not properly managed. Hackers can exploit the Admin Email to gain unauthorised access to a site and cause harm. One common method used by hackers is to initiate a password reset request using the Admin Email. If they have access to the email account associated with the Admin Email, they can reset the password and gain control over the site.
To mitigate this risk, it is crucial to ensure that the Admin Email is associated with a secure and private email account. It is recommended to use a unique email address specifically for the WordPress administrator account and enable two-factor authentication for added security. Additionally, regularly monitoring the Admin Email for any suspicious activity or unauthorised password reset requests can help detect and prevent potential security breaches.
Impact of Changing Admin Email on WordPress Site
Changing the Admin Email in WordPress can have an impact on the site’s functionality, especially if not done correctly. It is important to take certain steps to ensure a smooth transition and minimise any potential disruptions.
Firstly, it is crucial to update the Admin Email in the WordPress settings. This can be done by navigating to the “Settings” menu in the WordPress admin dashboard and selecting “General.” From there, the new Admin Email can be entered in the appropriate field and saved.
Secondly, it is important to update any plugins or themes that rely on the Admin Email for notifications or other functions. This may involve going through each plugin or theme settings and updating the email address accordingly. Failure to update these settings can result in missed notifications or other issues.
Lastly, it is advisable to test the new Admin Email by sending a test email or initiating a password reset request to ensure that everything is functioning correctly. This can help identify any potential issues or misconfigurations that need to be addressed.
How to Change Admin Email in WordPress
Changing the Admin Email in WordPress is a relatively straightforward process. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it:
- 1. Log in to the WordPress admin dashboard using your current administrator credentials.
- 2. Navigate to the “Settings” menu and select “General.”
- 3. Locate the “Email Address” field and enter the new Admin Email.
- 4. Scroll down and click on the “Save Changes” button to update the email address.
- 5. Test the new Admin Email by sending a test email or initiating a password reset request.
It is important to note that changing the Admin Email does not automatically update the email address associated with the user account. To update the user account email address, go to “Users” in the WordPress admin dashboard, select your user account, and update the email address there as well.
Alternatives to Changing Admin Email in WordPress
If changing the Admin Email in WordPress is not feasible or desirable, there are alternative solutions that can be considered. One option is to set up email forwarding from the Admin Email to a different email address. This allows site owners to receive notifications and important emails at a different email address without changing the Admin Email itself.
Another alternative is to create a new user account with the desired email address and assign it administrator privileges. This allows site owners to use a different email address for administrative purposes while keeping the original Admin Email intact.
Both of these alternatives have their pros and cons. Email forwarding can be a convenient solution, but it may not be as secure as changing the Admin Email itself. Creating a new user account can provide a separate email address for administrative purposes, but it may require additional management and can result in confusion if multiple accounts are used.
Best Practices for Managing Admin Email in WordPress
To effectively manage the Admin Email in WordPress, it is important to follow some best practices:
- 1. Use a secure and private email account specifically for the Admin Email.
- 2. Enable two-factor authentication for added security.
- 3. Regularly monitor the Admin Email for any suspicious activity or unauthorised password reset requests.
- 4. Keep the Admin Email up-to-date and ensure that it is accessible.
- 5. Update any plugins or themes that rely on the Admin Email for notifications or other functions.
- 6. Test the new Admin Email after making any changes to ensure that everything is functioning correctly.
By following these best practices, site owners can ensure that they are effectively managing their Admin Email and minimising any potential security risks or disruptions.
Final Thoughts on Admin Email in WordPress
The WordPress Admin Email is a crucial component of managing a WordPress site. It is used for various purposes, such as receiving notifications, password resets, and important updates. Changing the Admin Email may be necessary for various reasons, such as when the original email address becomes invalid or inaccessible, or for security purposes.
While changing the Admin Email can have limitations and potential drawbacks, it is important to manage it effectively to ensure the smooth functioning and security of the site. By following best practices and taking necessary precautions, site owners can effectively manage their Admin Email and minimise any potential risks or disruptions.


Author: Martin Sanders
I empower businesses to connect with their customers and boost sales. Ready to take your revenue to new heights? Get in touch with me today, and let’s make it happen!