Emergency Manager Pro (MU)
For when you can’t install plugins. A Must-Use (MU) plugin that runs automatically, letting you manage themes, plugins, and user roles even when plugin management is blocked. Always on. Always ready.

Always regain full admin control
The ultimate fallback when you can’t install or manage plugins.
Emergency Manager Pro (MU) is a Must-Use (MU) plugin designed for situations where you can’t install, activate, or manage standard plugins. Since MU-plugins run automatically and can’t be deactivated through wp-admin, this version acts as a permanent recovery tool, always available when you need it most.
Ideal for site owners locked out of plugin management or those dealing with role restrictions, this plugin ensures you’re never completely cut off from critical site controls.
With the MU version, you can:
✔ Regain Access Without Installing Plugins – Perfect for locked-down admin panels
✔ Bypass Role Restrictions – Instantly gain admin privileges when standard options are blocked
✔ Complete Role Management – Edit, delete, or rename any user role, including WooCommerce-specific capabilities, even when access is restricted
✔ Manage Plugins & Themes – Upload, activate, delete, or backup, even without plugin install rights
✔ Backup Active Themes – Including parent themes for child setups
✔ Ensure Always-On Recovery – Can’t be disabled through the WordPress admin
⚠ Security Notice: MU-plugins cannot be deactivated via wp-admin. Only use on trusted installations or when necessary for recovery.
💡 Pro Tip: If you still have access to install plugins but need emergency features, try the standard Pro version for more flexible use.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do I need password verification for role changes?
Password verification adds an extra security layer to prevent unauthorized role changes. The verification expires after 5 minutes as an additional security measure.Will these plugins work if I can't access wp-admin or login into Wordpress?
The plugins require basic WordPress admin access. If you cannot access wp-admin at all, you'll need to resolve that issue first.Can I backup my current theme?
Yes, the Emergency Theme Manager as well as the Pro versions includes a backup feature that allows you to download your active theme as a ZIP file, including both child and parent themes if applicable.Is it safe to use the Pro and Pro (MU) version on live websites?
Yes, but use caution. The plugin is a powerful tool. Anyone with wp-admin access to your site could potentially elevate permissions and edit roles. To reduce risks, especially if you have multiple people with access to your site, delete the Pro or Pro (MU) plugin once its purpose is fulfilled.
Can I use this plugin to promote myself to Administrator?
Yes, if you have some level of access.
• You have wp-admin access to your site (Wordpress dashboard) whether your role is an Editor or Author etc. that doesn't matter.
(If you have no wp-admin access and no FTP access, you’ll need server-level intervention from your hosting provider.)
How do I install the MU version?
The MU version requires FTP access or file manager access from your hosting account (e.g., CPanel, Plesk etc.) to upload the plugin to your wp-content/mu-plugins directory. Clear instructions are provided for install, as easy as copy-paste into the mu-plugins folder.When should I use the Pro (MU) version instead of the regular Pro plugin?
The MU version is for situations where you cannot install plugins through the dashboard (e.g., if the Plugins page is hidden or your user role is restricted).
• It activates automatically after uploading the file via FTP or file manager (e.g., Plesk, CPanel). You don’t need Wordpress admin access to install it. After you login back into your Wordpress dashboard and your job is done (e.g., after restoring full admin access), you can simply click the delete button from within the plugin to remove it.
Compare features
Features | Emergency Manager | Emergency Manager Pro | Emergency Manager Pro (MU) | Emergency Manager Ultimate |
---|---|---|---|---|
Theme Management | ||||
Plugin Management | – | |||
Role Management | – | |||
MU-Plugin Support | – | – | ||
Backup Feature | ||||
Security Verification | – | |||
Priority Support | – | - | ||
You HAVE access to install Plugins from the Dashboard | - | |||
You have NO access to install Plugins from the Dashboard |
- | - | ||
Wordpress plugin | - | |||
Wordpress Must-Use (MU) plugin | - | - | ||
White labeling | - | - | - |