How to Add a Super Admin User Role in WordPress Multisite: A Beginner-Friendly Guide

How to Add a Super Admin User Role in WordPress Multisite: A Beginner-Friendly Guide

Managing a WordPress multisite network requires having the right users with appropriate permissions. The Super Admin role is crucial for overseeing multiple sites in a network. However, setting up this role can be slightly tricky for beginners. In this guide, we’ll explore how to add a Super Admin in WordPress multisite, including step-by-step instructions and tips for securing your network.

What Is a Super Admin in WordPress?

WordPress user roles include various permissions for managing a website. The Super Admin role is unique to WordPress multisite setups. This role grants complete control over all sites within a network, including the ability to:

• Install plugins and themes.
• Configure network-wide settings.
• Manage users across all sites.

Unlike regular site Administrators, who manage only one site, Super Admins can make network-wide changes. It’s essential to assign this role only to trusted individuals, as their actions affect every site in the network.

Method 1: Adding a Super Admin via the WordPress Dashboard

If you have Super Admin access, follow these steps to add another Super Admin user:

1. Log in to Your WordPress Dashboard
   Navigate to the ‘My Sites’ menu at the top left corner and go to Network Admin > Users.
2. Add a New User
   Click on ‘Add New User’ and provide the username and email address of the new user. WordPress will send an email to the user to set their password.
3. Assign Super Admin Privileges
   • Go to Users > All Users and locate the new user.
   • Click ‘Edit’ under their username.
   • Check the box next to ‘Grant this user super admin privileges for the Network’.
   • Save changes by clicking ‘Update User.’

You’ve now successfully added a Super Admin to your WordPress multisite.

Method 2: Manually Adding a Super Admin Using Code

For users locked out of the admin dashboard, you can add a Super Admin manually using FTP:

1. Connect to Your Site
   Use an FTP client or your hosting’s File Manager to access your site files. Navigate to the /wp-content/themes/ directory.
2. Edit the functions.php File
   Locate the functions.php file of your active theme and download it to your computer. Open the file in a text editor and add the following code:
3. function wpb_create_super_admin() {
4.     $username = ‘newuser’;
5.     $password = ‘password123’;
6.     $email = ‘newuser@example.com’;
7.     
8.     if (!username_exists($username) && !email_exists($email)) {
9.         $user_id = wp_create_user($username, $password, $email);
10.         if (!is_wp_error($user_id)) {
11.             grant_super_admin($user_id);
12.         }
13.     }
14. }
15. add_action(‘init’, ‘wpb_create_super_admin’);

Replace ‘newuser’, ‘password123’, and ‘newuser@example.com’ with your desired credentials.

16. Upload and Test
    Save the file and upload it back to your server. Log in using the new credentials. Remember to remove the added code after confirming the account.

Securing Your Super Admin Accounts

To protect your WordPress multisite from unauthorized access, follow these tips:

1. Automated Backups
   Use a plugin like Duplicator to create and store backups. Regular backups ensure you can restore your site quickly in case of issues.
2. Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
   Add an extra security layer by setting up 2FA. Plugins like WP 2FA make it simple to implement this feature.
3. Ensure Email Deliverability
   Use an SMTP plugin like WP Mail SMTP to fix email issues, ensuring you can receive password reset emails.

Additional Resources for Managing WordPress Multisite

• Best Plugins for WordPress Multisite
• How to Move a Site from Multisite to Single Install
• Customizing the WordPress Admin Dashboard

By following this guide, you can efficiently add and manage Super Admins in your WordPress multisite while ensuring the security of your network.