WordPress is a popular platform. Many people use it to create websites. Sometimes, you may see errors. One common error is the password reset key error. This error can stop you from logging in. But don’t worry. You can fix it. This guide will help you.

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What is the Password Reset Key Error?

The password reset key error happens when you try to reset your password. You may see a message like this: “Your password reset link appears to be invalid.” This means the reset key has a problem. It may be expired or incorrect.

Why Does This Error Happen?

There are a few reasons for this error:

• The reset link has expired.
• The reset key in the database is incorrect.
• Your website has a caching problem.
• There may be a problem with your WordPress database.

Now, let’s look at how to fix this error.

Step 1: Clear Your Browser Cache

Sometimes, your browser cache causes problems. Clearing it can help. Here is how to clear your browser cache:

For Google Chrome:

1. Open Google Chrome.
2. Click the three dots at the top right corner.
3. Select “More tools” and then “Clear browsing data.”
4. Choose the time range. Select “All time” to clear everything.
5. Check the boxes for “Cookies and other site data” and “Cached images and files.”
6. Click “Clear data.”

For Mozilla Firefox:

1. Open Mozilla Firefox.
2. Click the three lines at the top right corner.
3. Select “Options.”
4. Go to the “Privacy & Security” panel.
5. Scroll down to “Cookies and Site Data” and click “Clear Data.”
6. Check the boxes for “Cookies and Site Data” and “Cached Web Content.”
7. Click “Clear.”

After clearing your browser cache, try to reset your password again. If the error is still there, move to the next step.

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Step 2: Clear Your WordPress Cache

If you use a caching plugin, clear your WordPress cache. Here is how:

For W3 Total Cache:

1. Log in to your WordPress dashboard.
2. Go to “Performance.”
3. Click “Dashboard.”
4. Click “Empty All Caches.”

For Wp Super Cache:

1. Log in to your WordPress dashboard.
2. Go to “Settings.”
3. Click “WP Super Cache.”
4. Click “Delete Cache.”

Try to reset your password again. If the error is still there, move to the next step.

Step 3: Update Your WordPress Site URL

Sometimes, the site URL in the database is incorrect. You can update it. Here is how:

1. Log in to your hosting account.
2. Go to “phpMyAdmin.”
3. Select your WordPress database.
4. Find the “wp_options” table and click on it.
5. Look for the “siteurl” and “home” rows.
6. Make sure they have the correct URL of your site.
7. If not, click “Edit” and update them.

Try to reset your password again. If the error is still there, move to the next step.

Step 4: Reset Your Password Through phpMyAdmin

If the above steps do not work, you can reset your password through phpMyAdmin. Here is how:

1. Log in to your hosting account.
2. Go to “phpMyAdmin.”
3. Select your WordPress database.
4. Find the “wp_users” table and click on it.
5. Look for your username and click “Edit.”
6. Find the “user_pass” row.
7. In the “Function” column, select “MD5.”
8. In the “Value” column, enter your new password.
9. Click “Go” to save the changes.

Now, try to log in with your new password. If the error is still there, move to the next step.

Step 5: Deactivate All Plugins

Sometimes, a plugin causes the error. You can deactivate all plugins to check. Here is how:

1. Log in to your hosting account.
2. Go to “File Manager.”
3. Open the “wp-content” folder.
4. Find the “plugins” folder and rename it to “plugins_old.”

This will deactivate all plugins. Try to reset your password again. If it works, one of your plugins was causing the error. You can rename the folder back to “plugins” and activate each plugin one by one. This will help you find the problematic plugin.

Step 6: Check Your .htaccess File

Sometimes, the .htaccess file causes the error. You can check it. Here is how:

1. Log in to your hosting account.
2. Go to “File Manager.”
3. Find the .htaccess file in the root directory of your WordPress site.
4. Download a copy of the file for backup.
5. Open the .htaccess file and look for any unusual code.
6. Remove any code that looks suspicious.
7. Save the file and upload it back to the root directory.

Try to reset your password again. If the error is still there, move to the next step.

Step 7: Contact Your Hosting Provider

If none of the steps work, contact your hosting provider. They can help you fix the error. Provide them with details about the error. They may need to check the server settings or logs. They can help you regain access to your site.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Causes A Password Reset Key Error In WordPress?

A password reset key error happens due to an outdated or corrupted database entry.

How Do I Fix The Password Reset Key Error?

Access your database using phpMyAdmin. Locate and delete the corrupted key entries.

Can A Plugin Solve The Password Reset Key Error?

Yes, some security plugins can automatically fix database errors, including the password reset key.

Is There A Manual Way To Fix This Error?

Yes, you can manually delete corrupted key entries from your WordPress database.

Conclusion

The password reset key error can be frustrating. But you can fix it. Follow these steps carefully. Clear your browser and WordPress cache. Update your site URL and reset your password through phpMyAdmin. Deactivate all plugins and check your .htaccess file. If needed, contact your hosting provider. With these steps, you can resolve the error and regain access to your WordPress site.