Help! WordPress Keeps Logging Me Out – 7 Easy Ways to Fix This Error

Working on your WordPress site should be smooth and straightforward. But, constant logouts can make it a hassle.

You log in to manage your site, make some updates, and then close your browser without logging out. Later, you come back, hoping to continue your work without signing in again. Instead, you’re surprised to find the login screen greeting you once more.

Or you are crafting an important content piece, and suddenly you’re logged out without warning. You lose your data, lose track of where you were, and waste time logging back in.

The WordPress keeps logging me out problem is one of the most common WordPress login issues.

It is annoying and disrupts your workflow every time it happens. It’s like having a door that keeps shutting in your face every time you try to walk through.

But thankfully, it’s not something you have to live with.

This problem is usually caused by expired cookies, incorrect browser settings, etc. Sometimes, even a small misconfiguration can lead to this headache.

Getting to the root of these causes means you can start fixing the problem. With the right approach, you can discover what’s wrong and fix it, so you don’t have to keep logging back in.

TL;DR: If your WordPress site keeps logging you out, malware, expired cookies, browser settings, or plugin conflicts might be the cause. By checking these areas, you can fix the issue and stay logged in. Start by scanning your site with MalCare and then follow it up with the other steps mentioned here.

1. Scan your site

A malware infection might not be the first thought that comes to your mind when WordPress keeps logging you out. However, while it’s not common, malware can be a serious reason for this error.

Malware may be logging you out to hide its harmful actions. This can stop you from controlling your site and can risk your site’s safety. To fix this, scan your site and remove any malware found.

But if you can’t stay logged into wp-admin, use MalCare. It lets you scan your site from an external dashboard without logging into WordPress.

MalCare has many perks. It scans for malware quickly without slowing down your site. It also has a smart firewall to block attacks and a vulnerability scanner to find threats early. Using MalCare helps keep your site secure and always available for access.

2. Delete all cookies

Expired or corrupted cookies can log you out of your WordPress site again and again. Deleting these cookies can help fix the problem. Once they are deleted, try logging in to your WordPress site. This will set new cookies and hopefully solve the logout issue.

Before you clear cookies, check the functions.php file of your site’s current theme. See if you have added any code to reset cookies every time someone accesses your site. You may have added this to address a WordPress login redirect loop in the past. If this code is present, it might be what’s causing the logout problem. Removing this code may help resolve it.

3. Clear all caches

Clearing your caches can help if you’re being logged out of your WordPress site. Start by clearing your browser cache, as well as any caching plugins you use. If you have a Content Delivery Network (CDN), clear its cache too. Once you’ve done this, try accessing your site again to see if the issue is resolved.

It’s also a good idea to ask your users to clear their browser caches. Old cache data can sometimes create conflicts that affect how your site functions for different users. By clearing the caches, you ensure everyone is seeing the most current version of your site.

4. Check browser settings

Your browser settings might be causing you to get logged out of your WordPress site. If you’ve disabled cookie setting in your browser, it could be the reason. Make sure your browser allows cookies. We recommend setting it to disable only third-party cookies, so essential site cookies can still work.

Also, check if any security software on your computer is blocking cookies from being set. Such software might be interfering with your site’s ability to keep you logged in. Adjusting these settings could help solve the logout issue.

5. Check your WordPress site URL settings

Your login session cookies might not be saved if the URL in the cookie doesn’t match your site address. This can lead to users getting logged out frequently. To fix this, check the URLs set in your wp-admin dashboard.

Go to Settings > General, and look for WordPress Address and Site Address. Ensure they match the correct site URL.

Also, check your site’s wp-config.php file to confirm the URLs are correct there.

Make sure all site URLs use the same protocol. If you use https, then all URLs should reflect this. Consistent URL settings help keep your login sessions stable.

6. Disable and re-enable plugins

Some plugins try to authenticate a user’s current web session using cookies. Think of a web session as the timeframe that a user has access to your site between logging in and out of it. But, if the plugins struggle with setup or have a cookie issue, users might get logged out of your WordPress site.

If you’ve recently added a new plugin or updated one, it might be conflicting with others on your site. Try disabling the new or updated plugin to see if that resolves the issue.

If the problem persists, try disabling all plugins on your site. Then, re-enable them one by one while checking if this fixes the logout issue. This process can help identify which plugin is causing the problem. Once you find the errant plugin, you can look for alternatives or address any setup issues.

7. Increase cookie expiry time

When you use the Remember Me option while logging in, WordPress sets a cookie to keep you logged in for 14 days by default. But, if this duration is shorter for your site, users might get frequently logged out.

To avoid this, you can increase the time you stay logged in. You can do this by extending the expiration period for the site’s authentication cookie.

To do this, add the following code to your theme’s functions.php file:

add_filter('auth_cookie_expiration', function($expirein) {

return 60 * 60 * 24 * 30; // 30 days

});

Remember that longer sessions might be more vulnerable. So extending the expiry time can lead to security concerns like cookie stealing attacks. To offset this risk, make sure your site is secure in other ways. We recommend using a security plugin like MalCare to enhance your site’s protection from threats.

How to prevent the WordPress keeps logging me out issue?

Keeping your WordPress site stable and secure helps prevent frequent logout issues. By following these steps, you can cut the risk of being logged out unexpectedly.

Use a security plugin

A security plugin can protect your site from threats that could interfere with login sessions. WordPress has several good options, but we recommend MalCare as a strong choice. It provides malware detection, one-click cleanup, a smart firewall, and various other protections. It helps keep your site secure, reducing the chances of problems like frequent logouts, login redirects, etc.

Take regular backups

Taking regular backups are essential for recovery if something goes wrong. We recommend using a reliable backup solution like BlogVault. With BlogVault, you can restore your site to a point before any issues start. This ensures you always have a safety net to fall back on.

Perform regular security audits

Conduct security audits regularly to catch potential issues before they become problems. During these audits, look for vulnerabilities and unusual user activities. Regular audits help maintain the integrity and security of your site.

Install software from legitimate sources

Always install plugins, themes, and other software from legitimate sources, like the WordPress plugin repository. Using nulled software or unverified third-party software can introduce bugs or security risks. This can lead to problems like constant logouts. Stick with reputable sources to protect your site.

Test software on staging

Before adding new plugins, themes, or updates to your live site, test them on a staging site. This helps you find problems or conflicts without affecting your main site. If you are a MalCare user, you can create staging sites right from the dashboard. By catching issues early, you can keep your live site running smoothly and avoid unexpected logouts.

Final thoughts

Being logged out of your WordPress site all the time is frustrating. But you can fix it by checking a few things. Scan your site for malware and then look at your cookies, browser settings, and plugins. Small changes here can stop the logouts and make your site easier to use.

To help keep your site secure, use MalCare. It keeps a constant eye on your site and prevents malware infections. With MalCare, you can also counter bot attacks, vulnerabilities, and more. This lets you focus more on your site and less on security worries.

FAQs

How to fix WordPress keeps logging out problem?

To fix the WordPress keeps logging out problem, start by clearing your browser cache and cookies. Check your WordPress URL settings to ensure they are consistent in the wp-admin dashboard and the wp-config.php file. Verify that your browser and any security software allow necessary cookies. Try disabling all plugins, then re-enable them one by one to identify potential conflicts. Consider extending the cookie expiry time by adjusting your theme’s functions.php file, but ensure your site remains secure using a tool like MalCare.

How do I stay logged in to WordPress?

To stay logged in to WordPress, make sure to check the “Remember Me” box on the login page, which sets a cookie to keep you logged in for up to 14 days by default. Ensure your browser settings allow cookies and that no security software is blocking them. Keep your WordPress site URLs consistent in settings and files to avoid login session issues. You can also extend the cookie expiry time in your theme’s functions.php file, but be sure to enhance your site’s security, possibly with a plugin like MalCare, to protect against risks.

Why does my WordPress session keep expiring?

Your WordPress session might keep expiring due to inconsistent URL settings, where the WordPress address doesn’t match the site address in your settings or wp-config.php file. It could also be because your browser settings or security software are blocking cookies, which are necessary for maintaining sessions. Additionally, plugin conflicts or short cookie expiry times can contribute to this issue. To resolve it, ensure URL consistency, allow cookies in your browser, check for conflicting plugins, and consider extending the cookie expiration period while keeping your site secure with a plugin like MalCare.