Manual Admin Password Reset

Use this guide when you have lost admin access and cannot use the password reset feature. These steps use phpMyAdmin, but any database tool will work — the steps will simply differ slightly.

Back Up Your Database First

Before making any direct database changes, create a full backup of your database. If you edit the wrong value in the admin row or make a mistake while saving changes, you could cause irreversible data loss or lock yourself out completely.

Step 1: Log into phpMyAdmin

Log in to phpMyAdmin. Not sure how? Contact your hosting provider.

Step 2: Select Your Database

Choose the database you installed FOSSBilling on. If you're not sure which one, check your config.php file.

Step 3: Find the Admin Table

1. Click the Structure tab to see all tables
2. Find and click on the admin table

3. Click the Browse tab to see all admin accounts
4. Find your account and click Edit

Step 4: Generate New Password Hash

Security Warning

Generate the hash on a machine you trust. Do not enter admin passwords into online hashing tools; they may store passwords and hashes.

The pass field needs a bcrypt hash. Generate one locally:

php -r 'echo password_hash("temporary-password-here", PASSWORD_BCRYPT), PHP_EOL;'

1. Replace temporary-password-here with a temporary password
2. Copy the generated hash
3. Paste the hash into the pass field
4. Click Go to save

Step 5: Log In and Change Your Password

You can now log in with your temporary password. Important: Change it immediately to a secure password:

1. Click your name in the top right corner
2. Go to Profile
3. Switch to the Change Password tab
4. Set a strong, unique password

Password reset complete. Store your password securely — ideally in a password manager.