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Starting with MainWP Child plugin version 5.2.1, the Unique Security ID feature is enabled by default. This security enhancement requires entering the Security ID when connecting or reconnecting child sites.

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What You’ll Learn

  • Understand why the Security ID is required
  • Retrieve the Security ID from a child site
  • Enter the Security ID in your Dashboard
  • Find the Security ID when the Child plugin is hidden

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Prerequisites

  • MainWP Dashboard installed and activated
  • MainWP Child plugin version 5.2.1 or later on child sites
  • Admin access to both Dashboard and child sites

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Why This Happens

When connecting or reconnecting a child site with Security ID enabled, you’ll see this error:
This child site is set to require a unique security ID. Please enter it before the connection can be established.
Error message indicating Unique Security ID is required for connection The Security ID is re-enabled automatically if:
  • MainWP Child version 5.2.1 is installed fresh
  • The Child plugin is deactivated and reactivated
This behavior is specific to version 5.2.1. Later versions may handle Security ID differently.

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Reconnect Using the Security ID

1

Log in to the child site

Access the WordPress Admin of the child site showing the connection error.
2

Navigate to Child plugin settings

Go to Settings > MainWP Child > Settings.
3

Copy the Security ID

Locate the Unique Security ID field and copy its value.MainWP Child plugin settings showing the Unique Security ID field
4

Open site settings in Dashboard

Log in to your MainWP Dashboard and go to MainWP > Sites > Manage Sites. Find the child site and click Edit.
5

Paste the Security ID

Paste the copied Security ID into the Unique Security ID field.Dashboard Edit Site page showing the Security ID field
6

Save settings

Scroll down and click Save Settings.
7

Reconnect the site

Click the Reconnect icon in the site’s action menu.Reconnect button in the Manage Sites action menu

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Find Security ID When Child Plugin is Hidden

If you’re using the White Label extension to hide the MainWP Child plugin, the settings page won’t be visible. Retrieve the Security ID directly from the WordPress options table.
1

Log in to the child site

Access the WordPress Admin of the child site.
2

Access the options page

Navigate to your-child-site.com/wp-admin/options.php in your browser.
3

Search for the Security ID

Use your browser’s find feature (Ctrl+F or Command+F) to search for:
mainwp_child_uniqueId
4

Copy the value

Copy the value from the mainwp_child_uniqueId field.Options.php page showing the mainwp_child_uniqueId field
5

Complete reconnection

Return to your Dashboard and follow steps 4-7 above to paste the Security ID and reconnect.

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Self-Check Checklist

  • Retrieved Security ID from child site settings (or options.php)
  • Pasted Security ID into Dashboard site settings
  • Saved Dashboard settings
  • Successfully reconnected the child site
  • Site syncs without errors