The WordPress User & WooCommerce Customers Import Export stands out by allowing the import of user passwords directly into a WooCommerce store. This feature is particularly beneficial during migrations, as it permits importing hashed passwords, enabling users to log in using their previous passwords without interruption. Furthermore, when adding new users, the plugin allows the importing of their data and custom passwords. This dual functionality ensures user retention and security, streamlining the administrative workload associated with user management.
For a smooth user import process, this article delves into the following sections:
- Import with Custom Passwords
- Preparing input file
- Steps to Import Users with Specific Passwords
Import with Custom Passwords
For store admins, the ability to assign specific passwords at the time of user import is invaluable. Here’s how it enriches the user management experience:
- Custom Password Assignment: Admins can set a custom password for each new user imported into the WooCommerce store. This flexibility allows for personalized security measures and facilitates the onboarding process for users.
- Secure Password Handling: Importantly, when these specific passwords are imported, they are stored in WordPress in a hashed format. This means that even though admins can assign custom passwords, the security of user information is not compromised. Hashing ensures that passwords are encrypted, making them secure against unauthorized access.
- Communication and Reset Options: Once the import process is complete and custom passwords are assigned, admins can communicate these new passwords to users via email. Users then have the option to log in using the provided password or reset it according to their preference. This step is crucial for enhancing security, as users are encouraged to set their passwords post-import.
The plugin automatically converts plain text passwords into hashed passwords, securely storing them in the WordPress database. On successful import, the new users with custom passwords will be notified via an email providing instructions for logging in or resetting their password.
Preparing input file
In the input file, ensure that one of the columns specifies the user passwords. For security, these can be plain text passwords for new users, which will be hashed upon import, or pre-hashed passwords from a previous system.
Note: The plugin can handle plain text and WordPress hashed passwords. The plugin algorithm will identify the kind of password and perform the import operation with the utmost security. The plugin user can enter plain text and WordPress hashed passwords in the same import file.
Steps to Import Users with Specific Passwords
Once the plugin is installed and activated, navigate to WebToffee Import Export (Pro) > Import. To import users with specific passwords:
- Select the post type as Users/Customers.
- Select an import method.
- Map the import columns.
- Use advanced options/ batch import and scheduling.
- Click on Import to finish.
For a detailed step-wise import, follow the steps in the article How to import users.
On successful import, the user’s passwords will be retained with utmost security.
Josh Keehn
February 20, 2024
Hey, have the password options been removed? I no longer see those options. Thanks
Hema
March 28, 2024
Hello Josh Keehn,
Thanks for reaching out. We were not able to reply to you on time as our site was under maintenance. Sorry for the inconvenience caused.
We have removed the option to retain user passwords during import. However, this option has been automated in the latest version. Now, during import, the plugin automatically handles password encryption.
If the passwords in your import file are already encrypted, they will be imported as they are. But if they are plain text, the plugin will hash them before importing them into the database.
Ali
May 24, 2022
Hi there,
I would like to import 20 user as a customer to woocommerce but when I import the users, they just receiving an email to verify their email address. There is no information about the password. The password column is blank, bcus I want them to use a generated password. But they don’t receive any password after I import the users. Please advice.
Best Regards
Ali
Alan
May 27, 2022
Hi Ali,
You can customise the email content and send passwords to the users. For more details, refer to: How to send custom email content for new WooCommerce users.
CARR
May 4, 2022
Hi, how do I bulk add new users to my site and can I set random passwords for new users?
I want to import a list of over 3000 users
Alan
May 17, 2022
Hi CARR,
In the input file with user details, keep the password field empty and import. This will import all the new users in bulk with their randomly generated passwords.