WordPress allows you to add multiple users to your website, each with a different role that controls what they can see and do. This guide explains the available roles and how to manage users on your site.
Understanding WordPress Roles
- Administrator — Full access to everything, including settings, plugins, themes, and user management. Only give this role to people you fully trust
- Editor — Can create, edit, publish, and delete any posts or pages, including those by other users
- Author — Can create, edit, and publish their own posts only
- Contributor — Can write and edit their own posts but cannot publish them. An Editor or Administrator must approve and publish on their behalf
- Subscriber — Can only manage their own profile. This role is typically used for registered visitors or members
Adding a New User
- Log in to your WordPress admin dashboard
- Navigate to Users > Add New from the left-hand menu
- Enter the new user's username, email address, first name, and last name
- Set a strong password or click Generate Password to create one automatically
- Select the appropriate role from the Role dropdown
- Click Add New User
Editing or Removing a User
- Navigate to Users > All Users from the left-hand menu
- Hover over the user you'd like to edit or remove
- Click Edit to update their details or role, or click Delete to remove them
- If deleting a user, you'll be asked whether to delete or reassign their content to another user
Important: Avoid giving multiple people Administrator access unless absolutely necessary. Use the most restrictive role that still allows the user to do what they need.