Table of contents

Custom login page (free!) WordPress pluginCreate a custom login page with WPFormsCreate a custom login page without a pluginNext: Secure your WordPress login pageNext stepsAdditional resources

Get the industry’s fastest hosting for WordPress◦ 100% network uptime
◦ Comprehensive security
◦ Support

WordPress Guide → Admin → Custom Login Page

How (and why) to create a custom WordPress login page

If you’re still using the default WordPress login page, you’re missing a big opportunity. That plain white screen with a WordPress logo doesn’t exactly say “professional.” Worse, it doesn’t do much to protect your site from bots and brute-force attacks. Whether you’re building sites for clients or just want something that fits your brand, it’s time to level up.

Let’s talk about how to create a custom WordPress login page and why it’s worth your time.

Get fast, reliable hosting for WordPress

Power your site with the industry’s fastest, most optimized WordPress hosting

WordPress.org hosting

Do you need a custom login page?

Custom login pages aren’t just for aesthetics. They improve usability, security, and branding in one shot. Here’s why they matter:

Stronger branding: Swap out the WordPress logo for your own, match your site’s colors, and add a welcoming message. Perfect for client sites or membership areas.
Better user experience: You can redirect users after login, add helpful instructions, or simplify the form for your needs.
Improved security: The default login page is a favorite target for bots. A custom URL or added WordPress security features makes brute-force attacks harder.
Professional presentation: If you’re running a business or client portal, your login screen should reflect that quality—not look like a default install.

Custom login page (free!) WordPress plugin

The easiest way to create a custom login page? Use a plugin. Theme My Login is a solid free option.

It lets you create front-end login, registration, and password reset pages that match your theme. You can even customize URLs (no more /wp-login.php), set redirects, and enable email-based logins.

How to use Theme My Login:

Install and activate the plugin from the Plugins section.
Check your pages: The plugin automatically creates login, register, and lost password pages.
Customize settings: Go to Theme My Login → General to tweak login URL, redirects, and more.
Style it: Since the plugin uses your theme’s design, it already blends in—but you can add custom CSS if needed.

It’s a simple way to get started with zero coding.

Create a custom login page with WPForms

If you want more control and advanced features, WPForms Pro is a great paid option.

It gives you full drag-and-drop design control, built-in spam protection, custom redirects, and integration with user registration workflows.

How to build a login page with WPForms:

Install WPForms Pro and activate the User Registration Addon.
Create a new form: Go to WPForms → Add New, then select the User Login Form template.
Customize the fields: Add labels, password strength indicators, or extra fields.
Configure settings: Set custom login redirect URLs or enable spam protection like reCAPTCHA.
Publish your form: Add the form to any page with a shortcode or block.

With WPForms, you get total design freedom and peace of mind thanks to built-in security options.

Create a custom login page without a plugin

If you’d rather limit plugins for performance or security reasons, you can code your own login page. This option takes more effort, but it gives you complete control.

Here’s a basic overview:

Create a custom login template: Start a new PHP file (e.g., custom-login.php) in your theme folder.
Add the login form code: Use wp_login_form() to generate the form. You can style it with CSS or wrap it in your theme’s HTML.
Create a new WordPress page and assign your new template.
Customize the login behavior: Add redirect functions or hooks in functions.php using login_redirect or authenticate.
Hide the default login page: Consider renaming or redirecting /wp-login.php to reduce bot traffic.

This approach is best for developers or users comfortable with PHP and WordPress theming.

Next: Secure your WordPress login page

A flashy login page won’t help if it’s not secure. Here’s how to lock it down:

reCAPTCHA: Prevent bots from logging in by adding Google reCAPTCHA to your form. Most plugins (like WPForms or Theme My Login) support it.
Two-factor authentication (2FA): Use a plugin like WP 2FA to require a second code during login.
Limit login attempts: Protect against brute-force attacks by using a plugin like Limit Login Attempts Reloaded. You can lock users out after a set number of failed logins.
Change the login URL: Move away from /wp-login.php using a plugin or custom rewrite rules to make your login page harder to find.

Combining these steps helps keep both bots and bad actors out.

Start improving your WordPress experience today

A custom login page boosts your brand, improves UX, and strengthens site security. Whether you go the plugin route or code it yourself, the upgrade is worth it.

Start by installing Theme My Login—it’s free, fast, and easy to configure. Once that’s done, you’ll never look at the default login screen the same way again.

Ready to upgrade your WordPress experience? Professional hosting improves speeds, security, and reliability for a website and a brand that people find engaging and trustworthy. Liquid Web’s WordPress hosting options configure business-class servers and support plans specifically for WordPress websites.

Don’t want to deal with server management and maintenance? Our fully managed hosting for WordPress is the best in the industry. Our team are not only server IT experts, but WordPress hosting experts as well. Your server couldn’t be in better hands.

Click through below to explore all of our hosting for WordPress options, or chat with a WordPress expert right now to get answers and advice.