How to Create Temporary Login for WordPress (No Passwords)

As a WordPress security professional with over 10 years of experience, I often get questions from site owners about safely granting temporary access to their WordPress dashboard.

Instead of creating login credentials that you need to remember to revoke, I recommend using automatic temporary logins without passwords.

Key Benefits of Temporary Logins

Here are the top reasons I advise my clients to use temporary logins:

1. Predefined expiration: Logins disable automatically based on a set duration, preventing indefinite access.
2. No passwords needed: Removes the risks associated with password selection, storage, and sharing.
3. Access control: Login permissions and capabilities can be restricted.
4. Improved visibility: Admins have an overview of active temporary logins.

According to WordPress vulnerability data, over 30% of threats stem from compromised credentials. Temporary logins help minimize exposure.

When to Use Temporary Logins

Common use cases I‘ve seen for temporary accounts:

• Granting developers access to make site changes
• Providing collaborate access to a team member
• User testing or QA to evaluate site experience
• Staging environments to test changes safely

For short-term access under 30 days, temporary logins are ideal.

Step-By-Step Guide

Creating a temporary login takes just minutes with the Temporary Login Without Password plugin:

Install and Activate the Plugin

First, login to your WordPress dashboard, navigate to Plugins > Add New:

Search for "Temporary Login Without Password". Install and activate the plugin.

Add New Temporary Login

Under Users > Temporary Logins, click Add New:

Enter user details:

• Email address
• First and Last name
• Set user role
• Define expiry duration

Permission Management

Assign user roles and capabilities carefully based on what access is required.

For example, an editor would need access to upload media but not plugins or themes.

Then click Submit to create the login.

Copy Login URL

You‘ll see a unique URL to access the temporary login. Copy this and send it via email:

No password needed! When the recipient visits this link, they‘ll have temporary access as configured.

Manage and Revoke

Under Users > Temporary Logins, you can see active logins, expiry status, past activity, and instantly revoke access if needed:

This table gives you complete visibility and control.

Best Practices

To ensure proper access controls, I recommend these guidelines for temporary logins:

• Grant the shortest duration necessary
• Use specific user roles aligned to permission needs
• Separate logins for each person accessing the site
• Revoke early if access is no longer needed

Following these best practices reduces risks dramatically compared to shared or indefinite credentials.

I hope this guide provides the depth of information you need to securely leverage temporary logins! Let me know if any other questions come up.