How to Add a Super Admin in WordPress Multisite: 2026 Guide

Managing a WordPress Multisite network offers incredible efficiency, allowing you to run multiple websites from a single WordPress installation. However, as your network grows, you will likely need to delegate responsibilities by bringing on additional Super Administrators. Granting this ultimate level of access requires both precision and strict adherence to security best practices.

In this comprehensive 2026 guide, we will walk you through the secure methods for adding a Super Admin to your WordPress Multisite network, ensuring your digital ecosystem remains protected against unauthorized access.

Understanding the Power of a Super Administrator

Before modifying user roles, it is critical to understand the magnitude of a Super Admin’s privileges. Unlike a standard Administrator who manages a single site within the network, a Super Admin has absolute control over the entire network. They can:

• Create, delete, and manage multiple sub-sites.
• Install and manage network-wide plugins and themes.
• Manage users across the entire network.
• Modify network settings and execute critical database operations.

Because of these extensive capabilities, assigning this role should be done sparingly and with rigorous security protocols in place.

Method 1: Promoting an Existing User to Super Admin

If the user you want to elevate already has an account on your network, the process is straightforward.

1. Log in to your WordPress Multisite network using your primary Super Admin account.
2. Navigate to the Network Admin Dashboard.
3. Go to Users > All Users.
4. Find the user you wish to promote, hover over their name, and click Edit.
5. Scroll down to the bottom of the profile page until you find the Network Role section.
6. Check the box that says “Grant this user super admin privileges for the Network.”
7. Click Save Changes.

Method 2: Adding a Brand New Super Admin

If the user does not yet have an account within your network, you will need to create one first.

1. From the Network Admin Dashboard, navigate to Users > Add New.
2. Fill out the required user details, including username, email address, and a strong, securely generated password.
3. Check the box to “Grant user administrative privileges.” (Note: This initially makes them a standard admin; you will elevate them to Super Admin in the next step).
4. Click Add New User.
5. Return to Users > All Users, locate the newly created user, edit their profile, and grant them the Super Admin network role as outlined in Method 1.

Method 3: Adding a Super Admin via the Database (phpMyAdmin)

If you are locked out of your WordPress dashboard, you can add a Super Admin directly through your database. *Disclaimer: Always back up your database before making direct SQL modifications.*

1. Access your hosting control panel and open phpMyAdmin.
2. Select your WordPress database from the sidebar.
3. Locate the wp_users table and ensure the user you want to promote exists there. Note their ID.
4. Find the wp_sitemeta table.
5. Look for the row with the meta_key named site_admins.
6. Edit this row. The meta_value utilizes PHP serialized array format (e.g., a:2:{i:0;s:5:"admin";i:1;s:9:"new_admin";}). Carefully append the new username to the serialized array, ensuring the string lengths and array counts are adjusted accurately.
7. Save the changes.

Securing Your WordPress Multisite Network

With great power comes great responsibility. Elevating users to Super Admin status expands your network’s potential attack surface. To keep your enterprise WordPress platform secure:

• Enforce Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Require all Super Admins to use robust MFA methods.
• Audit User Roles Regularly: Periodically review your network user list and revoke Super Admin access for individuals who no longer require it.
• Partner with Experts: Managing a complex multisite network requires constant vigilance. Professional WordPress security and maintenance services can help monitor your network, patch vulnerabilities, and safeguard your digital assets around the clock.

By following these steps, you can efficiently expand your administrative team while maintaining the highest standards of security across your WordPress Multisite network.