- Disable WordPress Admin Email Verification – 3 Simple Methods
- Disable via Plugin
- Custom Code in functions.php
- Constant in wp-config.php
- Which Method is Best?
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Disable WordPress Admin Email Verification – 3 Simple Methods
When setting up a WordPress site, an administrator email address is required. WordPress uses this address to send important notifications – for example about new comments, security alerts, updates, or critical errors.
Since WordPress version 5.3 (November 2019), a prompt appears in the backend login screen every six months asking you to confirm that the stored admin email address is still correct.
The message usually looks like this:
Please confirm your administrator email address.
This address is used for important notifications.
The idea behind this feature makes sense – many website owners forget to update their contact email over time. If the address changes, important information could be lost. However, many admins find this prompt annoying, especially when working on test or development environments.
Fortunately, you can disable this verification in three different ways.
Disable via Plugin
The easiest solution for beginners is to use a plugin.
The free plugin “Disable Admin Email Verification Prompt” by Aims Infosoft is available in the official WordPress Plugin Directory.
Steps:
- Install and activate the plugin
- Go to Settings > General and enable the option to disable the prompt
- Save changes – done
✅ Advantage: No coding required, perfect for beginners
❌ Disadvantage: Another plugin to maintain, potential performance impact
Custom Code in functions.php
If you are using a custom theme or a child theme, you can disable the verification with a single line of code. Open the functions.php file of your active theme and add:
// Disable WordPress admin email verification
add_filter( 'admin_email_check_interval', '__return_false' );✅ Advantage: No extra plugin needed
❌ Disadvantage: Needs to be reapplied if you change themes or update them
Constant in wp-config.php
The most reliable and update-proof method is editing the wp-config.php file.
Simply add the following line:
define( 'WP_DISABLE_ADMIN_EMAIL_VERIFY_SCREEN', true );
✅ Advantage: Works independently of themes and survives updates
❌ Disadvantage: Requires FTP or file manager access to your WordPress installation
Which Method Is Best?
- Beginners: Plugin
- Developers & advanced users: functions.php
- Stable & update-proof solution: wp-config.php
Why Does WordPress Ask for Email Verification?
The check was introduced to ensure website owners do not miss important emails from WordPress. In case of a hacking attempt, technical error, or password reset, the registered admin email is often the last safeguard.
On older or less maintained websites, the stored address may no longer be valid. The verification prompt therefore improves security – even though it can feel inconvenient in daily use.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Since when does WordPress include admin email verification?
Since WordPress version 5.3, released in November 2019.
2. Does disabling the prompt cause problems?
No. Your website will continue to work normally. Just make sure your admin email address is always up to date.
3. Does this affect security?
Not directly. But if your stored email address is outdated, you may miss important notifications.
4. Should I disable it?
- Live/production websites: better to keep it enabled
- Test or development environments: disabling saves time
5. Can I re-enable it later?
Yes. Simply remove the code or deactivate the plugin. The verification prompt will reappear.
Glossary – Key Terms Explained
- WordPress: Free content management system (CMS) for creating and managing websites and blogs
- Backend: The administration area of a WordPress site, accessible only to logged-in users with permissions
- wp-config.php: Central configuration file of WordPress that stores important settings (e.g. database connection)
- functions.php: Theme file where custom PHP functions for WordPress can be added
- Plugin: Extension for WordPress that adds extra features or functionality
Conclusion
The admin email verification in WordPress is a useful security feature – but not everyone needs or wants it. Especially in test environments, disabling the prompt can be very convenient.
The plugin method is easiest for beginners, while editing wp-config.php is the most permanent and reliable solution. If you regularly check your admin email address, you can safely disable the verification and avoid the constant confirmation screen when logging in.
