Knowing how to add a user to WordPress is essential for any site owner. Whether you’re building a team, bringing in a freelancer, or giving a client access, understanding how to create accounts—and which WordPress user roles to assign—is key to keeping your site organized and secure.
This guide walks you through adding a new user in WordPress, explains each user role in plain English, and shares best practices for managing permissions.
Step 1: Log In to the WordPress Dashboard
- After logging into your site, you’ll land on the WordPress dashboard.
- From the left-hand menu, click Users. This page displays all existing users, including their usernames, email addresses, and current roles.
Step 2: Click “Add New”
At the top of the Users screen, select Add New. This opens the form you’ll use to create a new account.
Step 3: Enter the New User’s Details
Fill in the following fields:
- Email Address (required) – Use the email they’ll check regularly.
- Username – A simple approach is to take the part of their email before the “@” symbol.
- First and Last Name (optional) – Makes it easier to identify them in the dashboard.
- Website – Not necessary unless it’s relevant.
- Password – WordPress will generate one automatically.
- Send User Notification – Make sure this is checked so the new user gets their login details by email.
Step 4: Choose the Right WordPress User Role
Selecting the correct role is just as important as adding the account. Here’s a quick breakdown of WordPress user roles:
- Administrator – Full site control, including user management and settings. Best for trusted team members.
- Editor – Can create, edit, and delete any content but cannot change site settings.
- Author – Can create, edit, and publish their own posts, but not posts belonging to other people.
- Contributor – Can create and edit their own posts, but only before publishing. Cannot upload media.
- Subscriber – Can log in and manage their own profile. Typically used for membership sites.
Step 5: Add the User
Once you’ve completed the form and selected the right role, click Add New User. The person will receive an email with their login information and can start accessing your site right away.
Best Practices for Adding Users in WordPress
- Limit Administrator Accounts – Give full control only when necessary, although for small teams it’s usually ok.
- Use Strong Passwords – Encourage security from the start.
- Review Accounts Regularly – Remove inactive users to keep your site safe.
Wrapping Up
Learning how to add a user to WordPress is a basic but essential skill for managing your site. By understanding WordPress user roles, you can give the right people access without compromising security.