--- title: "Log in with a one-time link" description: "The Direct Login module creates a temporary, single-use link that logs a member in without a password, for example to help someone who is locked out." url: "https://ultimatemembershippro.com/docs/log-in-with-a-one-time-link/" updated: "2026-10-18" category: "Registration & Login" --- # Log in with a one-time link 3 minBeginnerUltimate Membership Pro 14.2+ · Module Direct Login is an Ultimate Membership Pro module that creates a temporary one-time login link that logs a member in without their password. Use it when a member can't log in: the reset email doesn't arrive, or they need help right now. This guide switches the module on and creates a 48-hour link for a Coaching Club member, Emma. Before you start - Your license is active. This module needs an active license; see [Find and activate your license key](https://ultimatemembershippro.com/docs/where-to-find-your-license-key/). - You know the member's username. The link is created by username, not by email address. ## Switch on the module 1. Go to Ultimate Membership Pro*›*Modules and open **Direct Login**, in the [**Security & Login**](https://ultimatemembershippro.com/features/login-security/) group. 2. Switch on **Activate/Hold Direct Login**. 3. Click Save Changes. The **Generate temporary Login links** box appears below, once the module is saved. ## Create a link for a member 1. In **Generate temporary Login links**, enter the member's **Username**. 2. Enter how long the link works in **Timeout**, in hours. 3. Click Generate link. The link appears above the button. Copy it. [![Generate temporary Login links box with the username emma.carter, a timeout of 48 hours and the generated link https://yoursite.com/?ihc_action=dl&token=… highlighted](https://ultimatemembershippro.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/ump-direct-login-01-generate.png)](https://ultimatemembershippro.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/ump-direct-login-01-generate.png) A 48-hour link for emma.carter. UsernameRequired The member's [WordPress username](https://wordpress.org/documentation/article/users-screen/). Timeout How many hours the link stays valid. Leave it empty for 24 hours. Default: **24 hours** Every link you create is listed below the box, with its **Username**, **URL** and **Expire** date. Expired links show in red. Click the trash icon in **Action** to cancel a link before it's used. ## Or create it from the Members list With the module on, go to Ultimate Membership Pro*›*Members, open the ⋮ menu of the member and click **Direct Login**. A Success popup shows the link. Links created this way last 24 hours. [![Row menu of a member in the Members list with Edit Member, Member Profile, Manage Plans, Direct Login highlighted, Direct Email and Remove](https://ultimatemembershippro.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/ump-direct-login-02-members-menu.png)](https://ultimatemembershippro.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/ump-direct-login-02-members-menu.png) Direct Login in the member's ⋮ menu. ## Send the link to the member When the member opens the link, they're logged in and land on your home page. From there they can go to [the Member Portal](https://ultimatemembershippro.com/docs/set-up-the-member-portal/) and set a new password under Profile Details. Single use The link logs the member in once. After that it no longer works. One link per member Creating a new link for the same member replaces the previous one; only the newest works. Expiry After the Timeout, the link no longer logs anyone in. It stays in the list until you delete it. Treat the link like a password - Anyone who opens it before it's used or expires is logged in as that member. Send it only to the member, in a private message. - Use a short Timeout, such as a few hours, and delete links you no longer need. - Don't open the link yourself while you're logged in as administrator: it replaces your session with the member's. Test it in a private window. ## Example: help Emma get back in **Emma is locked out**Her reset email went to spam, so you send her a one-time link. **Module** : Direct Login, switched on **Username** : emma.carter **Timeout** : 48 hours **Link** : https://yoursite.com/?ihc_action=dl&token=… **After use** : Emma lands on the home page, logged in ## Troubleshooting Why does the Direct Login box show “Error” instead of a link? The Direct Login box shows “Error” when no user has that username. Check the username in Members; the field doesn't accept email addresses. Why don't I see the Generate temporary Login links box? The Generate temporary Login links box appears only after you switch the Direct Login module on and click Save Changes. Why does the Direct Login link open a page without logging the member in? A Direct Login link doesn't log the member in when it was already used, it expired, or a newer link replaced it. Create a new one. Why is Direct Login missing from the Members menu? The Direct Login item in the Members menu shows only while the module is switched on. Why does the Direct Login card say Activate license? The Direct Login module needs an active license. Activate your license under Ultimate Membership Pro*›*Licensing. ## What's next [**How password reset works**Let members reset it themselves.](https://ultimatemembershippro.com/docs/reset-password-works/)[**Block brute-force login attempts**Lock out repeated failed logins.](https://ultimatemembershippro.com/docs/security-login/)[**Prevent account sharing**One active session per member.](https://ultimatemembershippro.com/docs/cheat-off/)[**Manage your members**Find and edit member accounts.](https://ultimatemembershippro.com/docs/how-to-change-member-status/)