Short answer
Something is blocking access to the admin folder rather than WordPress rejecting your login. The usual causes are a security plugin’s IP rules, a rule in
.htaccess, or file permissions that were changed to something the server will not read.If a security plugin locked you out, renaming that plugin’s folder over FTP disables it and restores access. If .htaccess is the cause, renaming that file to .htaccess-old tells you within seconds whether it was responsible.
Learn more
- 403 Forbidden: how to fix itWhy the server refuses access with a 403 — missing index file, permissions, .htaccess rules or security blocks — and how to fix each one.
- Can’t log in to WordPress: fixes for common login problemsLogin page refreshes, redirect loops, ‘cookies are blocked’, 403 on wp-login.php and forgotten passwords — the fix for each.
- File permissions explained (644, 755 and why never 777)What Linux file permissions mean, the correct values for website files and folders, and how to change them in DirectAdmin.
- What is .htaccess? A practical guideWhat .htaccess files do, where they apply, the rules people use most, and how to recover quickly when one breaks your site.