WordPress is a versatile content management system (CMS) that powers millions of websites worldwide. One of its strengths is its robust user management system, which allows site owners to assign different roles to users, such as Subscriber, Contributor, Author, Editor, and Administrator. Each role comes with specific permissions, or “capabilities,” that dictate what a user can do on the site. By default, a Subscriber has minimal permissions, primarily limited to reading content and managing their profile. An Administrator, however, has full control over the site, including the ability to manage plugins, themes, users, and content.
If you want to elevate a Subscriber to an Admin role on your WordPress site, this guide will walk you through the process step-by-step. We’ll cover the default user roles, the steps to change a Subscriber to an Admin, best practices for managing user roles, and additional considerations for security and site management. Whether you’re running a blog, an e-commerce store, or a membership site, understanding how to manage user roles effectively is crucial for maintaining a secure and efficient WordPress site.
Understanding WordPress User Roles
Before diving into the process of making a Subscriber an Admin, it’s essential to understand the different user roles in WordPress and their capabilities. WordPress has six predefined roles, each with a specific set of permissions.
Subscriber Role
The Subscriber role is the most basic user role in WordPress. Subscribers can:
- Create and manage their own profile.
- Read posts and pages on the site.
- Leave comments if comments are enabled.
Subscribers cannot create or edit content, access the WordPress dashboard (except for their profile), or perform any administrative tasks. This role is typically assigned to users who sign up for newsletters or register on a public site to access restricted content.
Administrator Role
The Administrator role is the most powerful in WordPress. Admins have full access to all features and settings, including:
- Creating, editing, and deleting posts, pages, and comments.
- Managing plugins, themes, and site settings.
- Adding, editing, and removing users, including assigning roles.
- Accessing and modifying all aspects of the WordPress dashboard.
On a single-site WordPress installation, Administrators have complete control. In a WordPress Multisite network, the Super Admin role has additional capabilities() powers, extending the Administrator role’s capabilities to manage the entire network.
Other User Roles
WordPress also includes the following roles, each with increasing levels of permissions:
- Contributor: Can write and edit their own posts but cannot publish them.
- Author: Can write, edit, and publish their own posts and upload media.
- Editor: Can manage all posts, pages, comments, categories, and tags, and upload media.
Understanding these roles helps you make informed decisions about which permissions to grant when elevating a Subscriber to an Admin.
Why Make a Subscriber an Admin?
There are several reasons you might want to promote a Subscriber to an Administrator. For example:
- Team Expansion: You may have a trusted Subscriber who has joined your team and now needs full access to manage the site.
- Collaboration: If you’re working with a freelancer, contractor, or agency, you might temporarily grant Admin access for specific tasks, such as installing plugins or updating themes.
- Site Ownership Transfer: If you’re handing over site management to another user, you may need to upgrade their role to Admin.
However, granting Admin access should be done cautiously, as it gives the user significant control over your site, including the ability to modify or delete critical components.
How to Make a Subscriber an Admin on WordPress
Changing a Subscriber to an Admin is a straightforward process using the WordPress dashboard. Below are the step-by-step instructions.
Step 1: Log in to the WordPress Dashboard
To begin, log in to your WordPress site as an Administrator. You’ll need Admin-level access to modify user roles. Navigate to the WordPress dashboard by visiting yourwebsite.com/wp-admin and entering your Admin credentials.
Step 2: Navigate to the Users Section
Once logged in, locate the Users menu in the left-hand sidebar of the dashboard. Click on Users to view a list of all registered users on your site, including Subscribers, Authors, Editors, and Admins.
Step 3: Find the Subscriber
In the Users section, you’ll see a table listing all users, along with their names, usernames, roles, and other details. Use the search bar at the top of the page to find the Subscriber you want to promote. You can search by their username, email address, or name.
Step 4: Edit the User’s Role
To change the user’s role:
- Hover over the Subscriber’s username in the list and click Edit.
- Scroll down to the Role dropdown menu in the user profile editor.
- Select Administrator from the dropdown list.
- Click the Update User button at the bottom of the page to save the changes.
The user’s role will now be updated to Administrator, granting them full access to the site.
Step 5: Verify the Change
To confirm the role change, you can:
- Log out and log back in as the user (if you have their credentials) to test their new permissions.
- Ask the user to log in and verify they can access Admin-level features, such as the Plugins or Themes sections.
- Return to the Users section and check that the user’s role is listed as Administrator in the table.
Alternative Method: Using a Plugin
If you manage a large number of users or want additional control over user roles, you can use a plugin like User Role Editor or Members. These plugins provide a more advanced interface for managing roles and capabilities.
Installing a User Role Editor Plugin
- Go to Plugins > Add New in the WordPress dashboard.
- Search for User Role Editor or Members.
- Click Install Now, then Activate.
- Navigate to the plugin’s settings (usually under Users or Settings).
- Find the Subscriber you want to promote and change their role to Administrator using the plugin’s interface.
These plugins also allow you to create custom roles or fine-tune specific capabilities, which can be useful for more complex sites.
Best Practices for Managing Admin Roles
Granting Admin access is a significant decision that requires careful consideration. Here are some best practices to ensure your site remains secure and well-managed.
Limit the Number of Admins
Only grant Admin access to users who absolutely need it. Having too many Admins increases the risk of accidental changes, security breaches, or conflicts. For example, if a user only needs to manage content, consider assigning them the Editor role instead.
Use Strong Passwords and Two-Factor Authentication
Admins have significant control over your site, so ensure all Admin accounts use strong, unique passwords. Additionally, enable two-factor authentication (2FA) using plugins like Wordfence or Two-Factor to add an extra layer of security.
Monitor Admin Activity
Use a plugin like WP Activity Log to track actions performed by Admins. This allows you to monitor changes to plugins, themes, posts, or user roles, helping you identify unauthorized or accidental modifications.
Revoke Admin Access When No Longer Needed
If an Admin no longer requires full access (e.g., a contractor has completed their work), downgrade their role to a lower level, such as Editor or Subscriber. To do this, follow the same steps as above, but select a different role from the dropdown menu.
Backup Your Site Regularly
Before making significant changes, such as modifying user roles, create a full backup of your site using a plugin like UpdraftPlus or BackupBuddy. This ensures you can restore your site if something goes wrong.
Security Considerations
Promoting a Subscriber to an Admin introduces potential security risks. Here are some key considerations to keep in mind.
Trust and Verification
Only grant Admin access to trusted individuals. Verify their identity and ensure they understand the responsibilities of the Admin role. For example, if you’re working with a freelancer, check their references or reviews before granting access.
Temporary Admin Access
If a user only needs Admin access for a specific task, consider granting temporary access. You can downgrade their role once the task is complete. Alternatively, use a plugin like Temporary Login Without Password to create a temporary Admin account that expires after a set period.
Multisite Considerations
In a WordPress Multisite network, the process is slightly different. Only Super Admins can manage user roles across the network. To promote a Subscriber to an Admin in Multisite:
- Log in as a Super Admin.
- Go to My Sites > Network Admin > Users.
- Find the Subscriber and edit their profile.
- Assign them the Administrator role for the specific site(s) they need to manage.
Super Admins have additional capabilities, such as managing the entire network, so be cautious about granting this role.
Avoid Sharing Admin Credentials
Never share your Admin credentials with another user. Instead, create a separate Admin account for them or upgrade their existing Subscriber account. Sharing credentials can compromise your site’s security and make it difficult to track user actions.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
If you encounter problems while changing a Subscriber to an Admin, here are some common issues and solutions.
User Role Not Updating
If the user’s role doesn’t change after saving:
- Check that you have Admin or Super Admin permissions.
- Clear your site’s cache using a caching plugin like WP Super Cache or W3 Total Cache.
- Ensure there are no role-restricting plugins (e.g., Members) overriding the change.
User Cannot Access Admin Features
If the user is listed as an Admin but cannot access certain features:
- Verify that their role is correctly set to Administrator in the Users section.
- Check for conflicts with security plugins like iThemes Security that may restrict Admin capabilities.
- Ensure the user is logging in with the correct account.
Accidental Role Changes
If you accidentally grant Admin access to the wrong user:
- Immediately downgrade their role to Subscriber or another appropriate role.
- Change the passwords for all Admin accounts to prevent unauthorized access.
- Review the activity log to check for any changes made by the user.
Conclusion
Making a Subscriber an Admin on WordPress is a simple process that can be completed in a few steps through the dashboard or with the help of a plugin. However, it’s a decision that should be made with caution, as Admins have full control over your site. By understanding WordPress user roles, following best practices, and implementing security measures, you can safely promote a Subscriber to an Admin while keeping your site secure.
Whether you’re expanding your team, collaborating with others, or transferring site ownership, managing user roles effectively is key to running a successful WordPress site. Always monitor Admin activity, use strong security practices, and revoke access when it’s no longer needed. With these steps, you’ll be well-equipped to handle user role changes with confidence.