How to Give Admin Access to WordPress (+ An Easy Way to Get WordPress Access)

WordPress powers almost half the world’s websites and blogs. Chances are, you’ll need to give admin access to a freelancer or marketing agency at some point.

This article will teach you how to give someone admin access to WordPress, whether you are working with a developer to maintain your site or have a freelance content writer publishing articles.

BONUS: Need access to WordPress from your client? Jump straight to Part 2 for an easy way for them to add you as an admin or new user.

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Understanding WordPress user roles

Before you hand out the highest level of permissions, it’s important to understand what each WordPress user role means.

Most access issues happen because someone gets more access than they need (which can create unnecessary risks) or not enough access (which slows work down). 

Here’s a quick breakdown of the main WordPress roles to help you choose the right access level.

• Administrator

Has full control over the entire WordPress site.

Can:

• Access all site settings, themes, plugins, imports/exports
• Add, remove, and edit users (including other admins)
• Change user roles
• Manage all posts, pages, media, and comments
• See WordAds revenue and ad settings
• Purchase plans and register domains

Cannot:

• Transfer site ownership unless they are the Site Owner
• Access stored payment details from other admins
• Delete domains they don’t personally own
• Delete a site with an active plan they don’t own

Best for: Trusted in-house teammates, developers, or agencies who need full access to manage or maintain your website.

• Editor
  
  • Can create, edit, publish, and delete any post or page
  • Can moderate comments, upload to the media library, and manage categories, tags, and links
  • Cannot access site settings, manage users or roles, or handle billing and domain settings
  • Best for: Content managers, senior marketers, or teams responsible for day-to-day publishing
• Author
  
  • Can publish and manage their own posts, upload media, and edit comments on their own content
  • Cannot edit or publish other users’ content, create or edit pages, or access any site settings, plugins, or themes.
  • Best for: Freelance writers or regular contributors who need to publish their own work
• Contributor
  
  • Can create and edit their own posts (before publication)
  • Cannot publish posts, upload media, edit content after it’s published, or access any site settings or tools beyond basic writing
  • Best for: Guest bloggers or junior writers whose content requires approval
• Subscriber
  
  • Can read content, manage their own profile, and leave comments (if enabled)
  • Cannot access WordPress admin tools or create/edit any content
  • Best for: People who want to follow your site’s updates without needing any editing or admin access

🔎 Note: Some plugins (for example, Yoast SEO, WooCommerce, LMS, or membership tools) may create their own specific user roles, such as SEO Manager or Shop Manager. These roles vary by plugin and typically grant access only to that plugin’s features.

Learn more about user roles here.

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Part 1: How to add a new user and give them WordPress Admin access

Follow these steps to give someone access to your self-hosted WordPress site: 

1. Log in to your WordPress as an admin.
2. Click on Users on the left-hand menu.

3. Choose the option to Add New User.‍
4. Fill out the new account details such as username, email of the person you’re adding, and other personal information.

NOTE: WordPress automatically generates a strong password, but you can use your desired password combination.

5. Select ‘Administrator’ as the role and ensure that the checkbox for Send User Notification is checked.
6. When you are ready, click Add New User.
7. The person you invited will receive an email invitation with their login details.

Learn more about the various WordPress User roles here.

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Creating a temporary WordPress admin account

If you need to create a temporary WordPress admin account for your agency, developer, or freelancer to troubleshoot issues or make quick fixes, follow the steps in Part 1. 

Rather than sharing your account login with them, set up a new user for them with an appropriate role. Then, delete their account when they are done or after you have received the support you need.

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How to delete a user or admin account on WordPress

1. Click on Users → Select All Users.

2. Hover over the username of the account you wish to remove. Click ‘Delete’.

3. Check that you have selected the correct account for deletion. Click Confirm Deletion.

4. The account is no longer able to access your WordPress website as a user.

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Part 2: How to get admin access to your client’s WordPress site

Unfortunately, there isn’t a direct way to request for WordPress admin access,  even if you have your own WordPress account. 

The usual approach is to ask your client to manually add you as a user—tedious for both sides!

The easiest way to get admin access to WordPress? Leadsie lets you do that in 2-clicks 🙌 

Leadsie simplifies the entire process by letting you generate a secure link to request access. 

 Here’s how it works:

1. Create your Leadsie access link.
2. Send your client the secure, unique link.
3. All your client has to do is check their email and click Confirm to grant you the access you've requested.
4. Sit back and relax!

Learn more about easy WordPress access request here.

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Say goodbye to manual access requests 😄

We created Leadsie to make getting access, simple, quick, and hassle-free for agencies and freelancers. 

Instead of having clients and business owners navigate through multiple screens and pages of instructions, all they have to do is open the Leadsie email and, with a few clicks, grant you the access you need to start work. Easy! 🙌

Leadsie works with over 13 platforms, including Meta, Google, and TikTok. Want to try it for yourself? Try Leadsie for free for 14 days—No credit card required!